Protection of whales
In New Zealand all whales, dolphins, seals and porpoises are fully protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. It is an offence, amongst other things, to harass or disturb marine mammals. Offences carry penalties of up to 6 months imprisonment or fines up to $250,000, and further fines of up to $10,000 for every marine mammal in respect of which the offence is committed.
Further reading
Baker, A.N. 1990: Whales and Dolphins in New Zealand and Australia. Victoria University Press, Wellington.
'Cold Water, Warm Blood' - educational video made at Kaikoura. Wild South Enterprises, PO Box 474 Dunedin.