Sperm whale dies on Kaipara’s Ripiro Beach, iwi place five‑day rāhui

Overlooking Ripiro Beach on the Kaipara District's west coast. Photo / NZME

A female sperm whale has died on Northland’s Ripiro Beach, prompting iwi to declare a five-day rāhui (prohibition) on fishing and shellfish gathering.

Locals said the whale, named Anahera by Fiona Richards from Pouto’s Waikaretū Marae, died on the beach yesterday afternoon. Access to the site is restricted.

A rāhui was put in place immediately by Te Uri o Hau Taumata, Te Uri o Hau Environs, and Waikaretū Marae, and would remain until Sunday.

The rāhui covers a stretch of Kaipara’s Ripiro Beach, from Glinks Gully south to the Wahapu (Round Hill, south of Third Stream).

The Department of Conservation (DoC) Kauri Coast operations manager, Stephen Soole, said the whale died about 20km south of Glinks Gully.

She measured about 15m long and is estimated to weigh between 20 and 25 tonnes, Soole said.

“The cause of death is unknown at this stage. Externally, the whale appeared in good condition, with no visible signs indicating cause of death.

“As per standard procedure, DoC staff have taken measurements and samples for further analysis.”

Soole said DoC was working closely with iwi, who were considering possible cultural processing before the whale is buried.

Two humpback whales stranded on Ripiro Beach during August 2018. Photo / File

Several whales have beached previously on Ripiro, including three sperm whales in 2021 and two humpback whales in 2018.

According to online sources, sperm whales are the largest toothed whales and one of three species in the sperm whale superfamily, with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale.

Sperm whales have a global range, migrating seasonally for feeding and breeding. Females and young males live together in groups, while mature males (bulls) live solitary lives outside of the mating season.

Females give birth every four to 20 years, and care for the calves for more than a decade. A mature, healthy sperm whale has no natural predators, although calves and weakened adults are sometimes killed by pods of killer whales (orca).

Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, most of which she spent court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast.