ŌPAPE Marae and Urupā trustees have urged whānau and community members to respect a rahui on an area of coastline impacted by erosion.

This comes after the Ōpōtiki District Council said last week it was working to futureproof the Ōpape coastline with construction of a 100-metre-plus boulder wall following erosion late last month.

Approximately 90 metres of coastline was affected with erosion between 1 to 15 metres wide following the severe weather event on January 22. This impacted the sealed road and temporary hazard fencing and traffic management is in place to ensure public safety.

In posts on social media, Ōpape Marae and Urupā trustees said the aim of the rahui was to ensure the safety of its people and protect the whenua during the period of repair and restoration.

The rahui means that boats cannot be launched from Ōpape Beach.