Iwi Preparing To Recover Whale At Waipu

Gale force wind warnings have held Iwi practitioners back from recovering resources from a Brydes whale that stranded just north of the Waipu Surf club yesterday morning.

Patuharakeke volunteer, David Milner ventured out into last night’s storm to secure the whale to ensure it didn’t wash back out to sea.

At the initial assessment yesterday, Iwi suspect the 12-metre bull was hit by a ship propeller before becoming negatively buoyant and drifting to shore.

Patuharakeke volunteers will join up with others from Ngati Wai, Ngati Hine, Te Uri o Hau, Te Mahurehure and Ngati Rehia in response to the opportunity Ngati Wai Trust Board has provided them.

Trust Board Cultural Advisor, Te Warihi Hetaraka says this whale gives hapu the unique opportunity to develop processes surrounding the customary recovery of resources from tohora and paraoa (different species of whales).

Stranding coordinator, Tui Shortland says there’s a close weather watch. “We’re preparing to send the crew in once all the logistics are in place for a safe work environment for them and the general public,” she says.

A window of opportunity has opened for the team to partially recover resources this afternoon. They will return to the site tomorrow to complete the recovery.

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