Chatham Islands, New Zealand

More than 100 pilot whales have died after stranding on an isolated beach at Mairangi, on the north eastern Chatham Islands late yesterday evening.

 Chatham Islands Department of Conservation staff promptly visited the site as soon as the stranding was reported to assess whether any of the estimated 104 whales could be saved. Unfortunately most were already dead and staff had no choice but to euthanase eight that were still alive, DOC Chathams Area manager, Ken Hunt, said.

"There was no chance of saving them because they'd been left high and dry by the outgoing tide".

"As sad as it is, whale strandings on the Chathams are not uncommon. However strandings of this size are unusual and in cases such as this, we're often unable to help the whales."

Representatives from iwi/imi conducted a karakia/karakii at the site this morning.

Chatham Islands Conservation Board chair Deborah Goomes, who is also a representative of the Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri Iwi Trust said it was "extremely sad" to see so many whales beached.

"It's a reminder of how nature impacts upon our community and our island.  These occurrences are acknowledged and respected as part of our natural Chatham Island way of life". 

Hokotehi Moriori Trust chairperson Shirley King was grateful for the opportunity to reinforce with her granddaughter the ancient Moriori belief that the animals usually stranded when someone of great importance passed into, or was about to pass into, the wairua.

Due to sea and tide conditions it has been difficult for DOC staff to obtain samples and measurements for research and to try to determine why the animals stranded. The whales will be left to decompose naturally.