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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER  header call 
Melody sales@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021454814
Nadia n.lewis@xtra.co.nz 021677978
Reporting: Julia news@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 0274641673
 Accounts: Richard info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz 021678358

 

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A whale of a tale

 

Whale 1988-884It is commonplace to see snaps of dolphin frolicking along the beach or in the Mangawhai estuary almost on a weekly basis, but only long-time local residents will remember the afternoon back in October 1988 when a pod of pilot whales became disorientated and, pushed by the incoming tide, became beached in the shallows on the newly formed sandbank just north of the new channel. 

Reports vary but it’s estimated a full pod of over 90 whales were surrounded by up to 250 members of the public, DOC and Project Jonah members working from mid-afternoon and through the night keeping the whales stable and stress-free then attempting to re-float them on the high tide. 

Finally over 50 were eased into deeper water and out to sea while over 30 succumbed to the stress of the stranding and died, to be later buried on the beach. 

For many of the helpers it was the first time they had been around whales, initially reporting an intriguing experience, but as time wore on some helpers became almost as stressed as the whales as they could see their valiant efforts would ultimately be to no avail.

Mass strandings are still common, particularly in the north and western parts of the South Island, but this was one which will live long in the memories of Mangawhaiians and in the history of Mangawhai.

 Were you there? Tell us your memories of this momentous yet tragic event, info@mangawhaifocus.co.nz

A pod of over 90 whales became beached in Mangawhai estuary in 1988. PHOTO/MANGAWHAI MUSEUM DISPLAY

 
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