Date:  10 September 2026

DOC Principal Investigation Officer Hayden Loper says 0800 DOC HOT received two calls about the remains of the animal which were found on the beach Pauanui on 7 September.

Although the animal had begun to decompose, initial assessment suggests the animal’s head has been removed with some sort of tool or implement. It’s thought the decapitation occurred before the animal washed up on the beach.

DOC’s marine scientists believe the animal could be a bottlenose dolphin – a species fully protected under the Marine Mammals Act 1978. It is an offence to take or possess any part of a marine mammal without a permit from DOC.

A sample has been sent for genetic testing to confirm the species.  

“We are asking anyone who saw what happened to this dolphin to come forward,” says Hayden.

“Pauanui is a small but busy settlement with a popular beach, so we’re hopeful someone can provide us with information which may lead us to whoever is responsible.”

Hayden says DOC staff are interested in information such as descriptions of people or vehicles/vessels, as well as times and locations of any behaviour potentially connected to the decapitation of the animal.

Anyone with information on the dolphin is urged to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or email compliance@doc.govt.nz, and quote CLE-12503.

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