Date:  17 November 2022

​DOC was alerted to the 4.79 metre whale around midday.

Local iwi members from Mana Ahuriri attended the scene to farewell the whale, and DOC have enlisted heavy machinery to move the body off the beach to a nearby burial site.

This is the third beaked whale to have shown up dead on Hawke’s Bay beaches this year. As the cause of death is unknown, a skin and blubber sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing to see if any more information can be found.

New Zealand is a hotspot for marine mammal strandings. Since 1840, more than 5,000 strandings of whales and dolphins have been recorded around the New Zealand coast. Strandings occur all year round and usually involve just one or two animals.

DOC manages whale strandings and rescues with the help of local communities, volunteers and organisations like Project Jonah.

If you find a beached whale, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

About marine mammal strandings

Contact