A Disney film sets a cinematic milestone, new hope for an endangered bird species, how a community saved a pod of whales, and the world record-breaking grandmother.
Moana 2 makes waves
Moana 2 has become the first Disney film to be released simultaneously in both English and an Indigenous language — te reo Māori.
Previously, translated versions of Disney movies were only released a year or more after the original.
The cast are feeling proud.
Piripi Taylor, who plays Maui in Moana 2 Reo Māori, said Disney recognises the power of the Māori language.
Kōtuku take flight
The first Kōtuku (white heron) chicks of the season are beginning to hatch — an important moment for an endangered species.
Every year, the birds return to Whataroa in the South Island to breed and this year for the first time they’re breeding in a pest-free environment.
Dion Arnold’s family has run White Heron Sanctuary Tours since 1987.
“We’ve got rid of rats, stoats, and possums from that area. We’ve got the least amount of ground-based predators around as they start to hatch,” he said.
Community saves pod of whales
A pod of more than 30 pilot whales was rescued after being stranded on Ruakākā Beach on Sunday.
Hundreds of locals rallied together to save the whales by lifting them on sheets and returning them to the ocean.
Four pilot whales died in the stranding on Ruakākā Beach, Helen Castles reports. (Source: 1News)
Local iwi Patuharakeke remained on the beach through the night to ensure none of the rescued whales re-stranded.
The Department of Conservation called the rescue effort “incredible, with everyone coming together for the whales”.
Grandmother breaks surprising record
A 59-year-old Canadian grandmother has just broken a Guinness World Record for push-ups.
DonnaJean Wilde completed the most push-ups in one hour by a woman, clocking 1575.
Wilde wanted to remind people to “be a believer”.
“Choose to believe in yourself and others. Make time to do the things that you love, so you can make things happen and write your own story.”
