Seven dolphins refloated after mass stranding at Waiheke beach

Friday, 12 August 2022

Volunteers are carrying buckets of water across the mudflats to pour over the stricken dolphins.

Seven dolphins from a pod of 10 stranded at Whakanewha Bay on Auckland’s Waiheke Island have been refloated late Friday afternoon.

A spokesperson from the Department of Conservation said the dolphins were seen heading back out into the Hauraki Gulf, with one juvenile dolphin returning to deeper water just before 4pm.

“As of 4.40pm, the remaining dolphins had been successfully refloated, and had left the bay and were last seen heading out to deeper water,” said DoC spokesperson Emma Kearney.

One adult dolphin and one calf died earlier in the day and were to be taken to Massey University for necropsy.

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DoC staff had been working at the scene since midday, alongside marine animal rescue group Project Jonah, local iwi Ngati Paoa, and members of the Waiheke Island community, in an effort to make the dolphins comfortable with a view to refloating them.

Massey University marine mammal specialist Karen Stockin has also been at the scene providing advice and assistance.

“They are common dolphins. They are not in sight now so we think that is hopeful,” said Stockin.

Marine animal rescue group Project Jonah said it was co-ordinating with the Department of Conservation and responding to the incident.

There had been reports of orca in the area in recent days, said Stockin, which was a concern as “orca can chase other aihe (dolphins).”

Stockin explained the protocol around dealing with the two deceased dolphins.

“They’ve been blessed and will come to Massey University and then we will return them to Waiheke for burial with their whanau,” she said.

The site will be checked on Saturday morning in case the animals restrand.

“We would like to thank Ngāti Paoa, Project Jonah and the local community for their contributions to the rescue,” said Kearney.

Dave Chandler, DOC supervisor Auckland mainland operations team, said the reasons behind the mass stranding may remain a mystery. “We may never know why they stranded,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Auckland Council regional park manager for Whakanewha Natasha Belesky said the council didn’t want any more people to head to the site, as their presence stressed the dolphins out.

A Stuff reporter at the scene said volunteers were carrying buckets of water across mudflats at low tide to the stranded animals

At a briefing for volunteers on Friday afternoon, Kaiwai Rhind (NgÄti Paoa) said collaboration between mana whenua, DOC and Project Jonah was taking place.

Island resident Micky Old joined the rescue effort after finding out about the stranding just after 11am. She was at work at a plant nursery and came straight away.

Rose Davis was also among those pouring water over the dolphins. She found out about the stranding about 11.30am when she was baking biscuits. She turned off the oven and went to the scene immediately.

“I will stay until the dolphins are swimming in the sea,” she said.

“I’ve lived on the island for 25 years and I’ve loved the dolphins forever.”

Project Jonah said it was co-ordinating with the Department of Conservation and responding to the incident.

“We have local medics onsite and senior staff with equipment on the way,” said a spokesperson.

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick said she would be on the island by 2.30pm, and communicate updates as they come through.

At a briefing for volunteers on Friday afternoon, Kaiwai Rhind (Ngāti Paoa) said collaboration between mana whenua, DOC and Project Jonah was taking place.

“These are our tūpuna (ancestors), they're talking to us and we are trying to respect their choice,” she said.

“We are talking with DoC and Project Jonah about what we are going to do as a rōpū (group), we are working with them.”

“Two dolphins have passed away. This is a tangi, a burial ground, we need to be respectful,” Project Jonah volunteer coordinator Louisa Hawkes said.

“The conditions here are not ideal for the dolphins, we can help them by keeping calm and by keeping them cool.

“The sheets that are over them help retain water.”

Hawkes said they were going to keep the dolphins cool until high tide, which was expected to be about 7.36pm.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said Natasha Belesky works for the Department of Conservation. She works for Auckland Council. Updated at 4.10pm, August 12, 2022.