DoC yet to receive footage of alleged leopard seal 'prod'

Giverny Forbes kept an eye on the leopard seal while he was in Whangarei's Town Basin. Photo/John Stone

It's been nearly a week since Hatea the leopard seal has been spotted in Whangarei and the business owner accused of attacking the marine mammal is still waiting to see if he will be prosecuted.

The young male seal was last seen at the Whangarei Cruising Club on Riverside Drive on Thursday. He had been spotted in and around the Town Basin since Labour Day.

Leopard seal research assistant Giverny Forbes has put a call out for anyone who has photos or video of an incident on October 24 where Pupurangi Hire and Tour business operator Tony Munroe is accused of attacking the animal, something he strongly disputes.

Mr Monroe said he has a long history of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) with the harbour. With his family he has been involved in whale strandings, burying whales, repatriating turtles and tuatara and more.

He said he prodded the seal lightly to encourage it to get back into its environment, but it was not an attack.

"I don't do that sort of stuff."

He said the incident was being made into something it wasn't.

Ms Forbes said so far LeopardSeals.org had collected some witness statements, photos and video to give to the Department of Conservation, but she wants to gather any additional evidence.

She said any intervention by people could have unforeseen consequences on the animal's behaviour.

DoC spokeswoman Abi Monteith said the department had not received any footage as yet of the alleged incident. If footage is received, it will be reviewed and DoC will decide whether to prosecute or not.

Anyone who sees a leopard seal is reminded to stay 20m away and call 0800LEOPARD