Iwi have put in place a seven-day rāhui after the death of a man diving at Moutohora Island (Whale Island) today.
Police were called to a sudden-death incident at 8.45am today near the Whakatāne Boat Ramp on Muriwai Dr.
A police spokeswoman said the individual had previously been on a boat. They were unable to provide further information at this time.
In a Facebook post on Ko Ngāti Awa Te Toki, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa's official page, chairman Joe Harawira said the rāhui would begin today and run until next Thursday.
He said access to Moutohora Island and its resources would be restricted for seven days.