A juvenile pygmy blue whale stranded under a wharf on Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf has been freed.
The stranding under a private Schoolhouse Bay Wharf was first reported this morning, a spokesperson for the Department of Conservation (DOC) said.
DOC staff, iwi representatives, and technical experts were on-site throughout the day to assess the situation.
The whale, measuring 14 to 15 metres in length, was freed at 6pm after the wharf was removed around mid-afternoon.
“The whale was guided out of the channel and was last seen swimming well in deeper waters,” the spokesperson said.
“This was a highly unusual situation, and we worked carefully to free the whale while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Ngāti Manuhiri were an integral part of the mahi today, providing boat support and kaitiaki were alongside us during the day making decisions.
“The whale appeared calm throughout, and we are cautiously pleased with the outcome. We are grateful for the efforts of all those involved.”
DOC has asked the public to report any whale sightings over the next few days while staff monitor the area for “any potential re-stranding”.
