In MÃÂori culture, a rÃÂhui is a form of tapu restricting access to, or use of, an area or resource by the kaitiaki (guardian/s) of the area in the spirit of kaitiakitanga. With the passing of the 1996 Fisheries Act, a rÃÂhui was able to be imposed by the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries, a role that has since been taken over by the Ministry for Primary Industries. In the Cook Islands, raui (also spelled "rahui") have been put in place by the National Environment Service.
RÃÂhui may be imposed for many reasons, including a need for conservation of food resources or because the area concerned is in a state of tapu, due, for example, to a recent death in the area, out of respect for the dead and to prevent the gathering of food there for a specified period. RÃÂhui may be placed on land, sea, rivers, forests, gardens, fishing grounds, and other food resources. A rÃÂhui is given its authority by the mana of the person or group that imposes it.
An area may be set aside for a special purpose or function. Trees may be set aside as a carving resource; or flax bushes for the weaving of a special cloak for a chief. Areas may be placed under rÃÂhui requiring them to be left to lie fallow so that the resources may regenerate.
The custom of rÃÂhui is still used today, and it has similarities to the bans imposed by the present day legal system on the gathering of food resources for conservation purposes; however MÃÂori often perceive such bans on the gathering of traditional resources such as shellfish and native birds as 'another denial of their customary rights.'
A sign or physical symbol may be displayed to show that a rÃÂhui has been imposed. Sometimes a carved or decorated wooden stick or post may be placed in the ground. Natural features of the landscape can indicate the boundaries of the area that is under restriction. Additionally, people will be informed about the placing of the rÃÂhui.
The imposing of rÃÂhui by MÃÂori iwi has no official legal standing, and penalties are not formally imposed upon anyone breaking a rÃÂhui, but it is seen as culturally insensitive to do so.
Following the volcanic eruption of Whakaari / White Island, in which 20 people were killed, a rÃÂhui was placed on the island restricting access. It was reported that the rÃÂhui was placed on the island following a ceremony which took place at the mouth of the WhakatÃÂne River at 4 am on Tuesday 10 December 2019. The Buttle family, who have owned the island for over 80 years, asked that the rÃÂhui be respected. The rÃÂhui was lifted on Saturday 28 December.
A rÃÂhui was placed on the site by NgÃÂti WhÃÂtua-o-Ã ÂrÃÂkei and Tainui elders in March 2021, shortly before construction work on a controversial National Erebus memorial was scheduled to start. This rÃÂhui carries unusual significance given its application is deemed primarily a political act.