A new film, opening today in Christchurch, shows that New Zealand has come up with a way to protect not only whales but human communities too.
The documentary "What to do about Whales?" features the town of Kaikoura as one of four communities worldwide developing whale watching as a viable alternative
to whale killing.
It looks at the development of whale watching in New Zealand, Iceland, the USA and Japan.
The hour-long film was created by New Zealand-born filmmaker Kate Clere and her husband, filmmaker Michael McIntyre.
"With whales still under threat around the world, it's becoming increasingly clear that whale watching may provide the answer to their protection," said Ms Clere.
"As more people learn to appreciate whales, we are beginning to understand that they are worth more alive than dead."
"What to do about Whales?" tells the story of Kaikoura which transformed itself from a dying town into a vibrant community enticing visitors from all over the world.
"Whale Watch Kaikoura is now the biggest employer in town and it's given our community a whole lot of 'mana' where we can lift our heads high when we walk down the street," said Wally Stone, Chairman of Whale Watch Kaikoura.
Christchurch will be the first city to see the film ahead of a tour planned throughout Australia in conjunction with the 2004 whale watching season.
* "What to do about Whales?" will screen at the Academy and Cloisters Cinemas at the Arts Centre in Christchurch.
