Successful whale rescue all part of rural policing

A unique experience that highlights the diversity of small station policing is how a sole-charge Waikato Constable describes the opportunity to participate in a successful whale rescue yesterday.

Kawhia Constable, Perry Griffin, said he got the call about a stranded female Killer Whale (Orca) beached at the estuary near the town about 9am.

"Heading down there we soon had a group of about 20 locals and holidaymakers who were all intent on keeping the whale damp until it could be re-floated with the tide.

"It appears the young female became stuck after it had been chasing Stingrays in the estuary and while we were working there was a group of 5-6 other Orca swimming a short distance off waiting to see if their mate would get free."

Mr Griffin said it was a bit of an eerie working in the water with the other Orca about but whale experts contacted said those involved in the rescue would be fine.

"Still you don't know if a group of Orca were coming at you if you'd want to stand your ground but everything went fine and the whale was able to be re-floated and rejoin the pod by lunchtime.

"At this time of year a lot of the focus is on holiday policing and alcohol issues and its moments like this that really brings the community together that are the real positives of policing smaller communities."

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