A rāhui is in place at Pilot Bay (Waikorire) in Mount Maunganui after a man’s death.

Police were called about 8.20am on Saturday after an unconscious man was pulled from the water.

“Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.

His death has been referred to the coroner.

A Ngāi Tūkairangi Hapū Trust statement said a rāhui (temporary prohibition) was in place over the affected area until the end of today.

It extended from Prince Ave to Salisbury Ave and out to the harbour.

Shellfish and kaimoana/seafood gathering within this area was forbidden and water sports and activities were discouraged during the restricted period.

Ngāi Tūkairangi were notified on Saturday morning. Kaumatua Anthony Fisher recited a karakia then imposed the rāhui.

Fisher told NZME acknowledging and marking respect to the man who passed away was “first and foremost” in their minds.

“The family were there, and they wanted to be part of the karakia and those processes.”

He said they had a service and farewell which the man’s family was involved in.

“They were grateful, and we were very appreciative that they asked to be included.”

Trust chairperson Riri Ellis said the rāhui would be lifted this evening.

Ellis said the trust extended their “deepest sympathies and aroha” to the whānau.

She told NZME the rāhui was to give a sense of reassurance and avoid any unknowns.

“We urge everyone to take extra care around the water for the remainder of the holiday period, as conditions can be unpredictable.”

This is the second rāhui in two months in Mt Maunganui.

A week-long rāhui was in place from November 28, 2025, after an unconscious man was pulled from the water, between Mt Maunganui and Omanu.

Despite resuscitation efforts, the man died at the scene, police said.

His death was also referred to the coroner.