Baleen whale buried but its spirit lives on

A 15-metre Bryde's baleen whale that washed ashore near Tauroa (Reef Point), west of Ahipara, last week has been buried by Te Rarawa.

Rueben Taipari Porter said the whale (waha kupenga) had been buried at Tauroa to keep the coastline safe from contamination and ensure kaimoana was safe to eat.

Whanau and hapu living in the baches at Tauroa would be the kaitiaki (guardians) of the remains, which would remain buried for at least 12 months. A wananga to be called during spring would decide how taonga from the carcass would be shared with those interested in learning cultural practices around various parts of the whale.

Photos, descriptions and bone parts had been sent to Auckland University for forensic testing to determine the cause of death. Its ear drums and internal ear bones would also be examined for damage, for example as a result of seismic testing.

Mr Taipari said the whale's death was a significant tohu (sign), given that foreign vessels had been mapping the seabed off 90 Mile Beach, and would begin seismic testing in December.

"It is significant that this taonga from Tangaroa has come to rest and to help nurture our journey for us as kaitiaki of our moana," he said.

"In a year from now this tohora will have a second life as taonga that will bind us together as kaitiaki and hapu, so that no one can ever attempt to remove us as the manawhenua or threaten our environmental responsibility, that our ancestors like Patito and Toakai fought and protected for our people, and especially for our mokopuna."

A "small" wananga had given the name Tauroa, a significant place to Te Rarawa and Ngati Kahu, and well known for its bountiful kaimoana, to the whale.

"It is an outstanding ingoa for an outstanding occasion of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whakatopuranga, to give us strength in the testing times ahead for our people," he added.

"We hope our manuhiri who benefit from the vast marine richness of Tauroa will respect this whakaaro and support our stance as manawhenua".