Maori have a long association with whales. While whales provided food and utensils, they also feature in tribal traditions and were sometimes guardians on the ancestors' canoe journeys to Aotearoa. Oral histories recall interactions between people and whales in tribal stories, carvings, specialised language and place names.
Mr Campbell saw the importance and sent as many classes as he could via bus to see the adolescent whale. Room 10 was fortunate to go. DOC and iwi were amazing and looked after her and will continue to do so through the night until she can be taken away to be buried.
The humpback whale was thought to have been 10-15 years old. We were told she was probably on her way from Antarctica to the warmer waters amongst the Pacific Islands to mate and have babies. She has had a sample taken from her side which will be sent to Massey University for testing. The cause of her death is unknown however DOC did tell us she had been dead for quite some time and was very 'gassy' when discovered first thing this morning.
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| Credit to Caly Young for this photo |
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| Credit to Caly Young for this photo |
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| Credit to Caly Young for this photo |
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