Whale Stranded South of Waipu

1 October 2007

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release

Whale Stranded South of Waipu

An adult male whale has stranded on the rocks/beach of the south end of the Waipu estuary.

Little is known about the species of whale at this time. The Department of Conservation, along with local iwi Ngatiwai Trust Board travelled to Waipu together this morning to collect samples and data for the National Whale Stranding Database held at Te Papa in Wellington.

Ngatiwai Trust Board cultural advisor, Te Warihi Hetaraka is on site with a DoC Biodiversity Assets Ranger and iwi volunteers from local hapu of Patuharakeke and Ngati Wai.

Iwi will use this first visit to assess the condition of the whale for possible recovery of resources utilised by Mäori in arts and science fields. Based on Mr Hetaraka’s appraisal, it will be decided whether or not to move the whale to Uretiti where a reserve has been established for flensing stranded whales.

Spectators are warned not to approach the whale due to the health and safety hazards.

ENDS

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