Would you know what to do if you came across a stranded whale along Te Oneroa a Tōhe (90 Mile Beach)?

Iwi processes are fundamental to the response and management of whale strandings along Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (Ninety Mile Beach). For Māori, whales are regarded as taonga and tūpuna, carrying deep spiritual, cultural and ancestral significance. Iwi and hapū of the area hold mana whenua and mana moana, and their tikanga, kawa and mātauranga Māori guide how stranded whales should be approached, cared for, and, where necessary, laid to rest or flensed. Observing iwi processes ensures that responses are culturally safe, respectful, and aligned with generations of knowledge about the whenua and moana.

Working in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Project Jonah can achieve positive outcomes for both the animals and the people involved. DOC and Project Jonah also provide scientific expertise alongside practical rescue experience and iwi provide matauranga Māori, sciences, local knowledge, spiritual guidance, and leadership in decision-making. Following agreed iwi-led processes strengthens trust, collaboration, and ensures that actions taken during strandings honour both tikanga Māori and conservation best practice.

Respecting these processes upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, protects cultural values, and ensures whale stranding responses along Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē are conducted with dignity, collaboration, care, and collective responsibility.

Please click the following links to find useful information and contact details below;

Te Aupōuri call 021 890 013

Ngāti Kuri call (09) 4098 151

Ngāitakoto call 021 181 8986

Te Rarawa call 027 408 0100

Department of Conservation call 0800 362 469

Project Jonah call 0800 494 253