Orca pod leaves Pāuatahanui inlet, 12 formal warnings given

The pod of orcas had been in the area since Saturday. Photo / Twitter (file)

A pod of orcas present in the Pāuatahanui inlet since Saturday morning appear to have left the area, reports Whale Rescue.

The pod of seven had been in the inlet since the weekend, but Whale Rescue's Dr Ingrid Visser said observations on this morning from Whale Rescue's "citizen scientist" observer network had seen no sign of them.

The orca pod is still in Pāuatahanui Inlet this morning. Our staff are continuing to monitor the orca, weather and tide as we daily assess what might be the best course of action.

Follow updates on our Facebook page: https://t.co/ZcXXK8XwiI

📷: @ProjectJonah pic.twitter.com/jJH6ts8jXS

— Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) August 31, 2021

"We suspect that the quiet of lockdown may have drawn them in to this unusually long stay near this heavily inhabited place," she said.

"Perhaps the increasing reappearance of people on the water yesterday with the move to level 3 has led to their decision now to move on".

Yesterday Visser made a public call against plans from the Department of Conservation to forcibly herd the orca out of the inlet, saying boats and noise devices would cause them distress.

Alongside Ngāti Toa iwi and Project Jonah we are using five boats to try to gently shepherd a pod of orca in Pāuatahanui Inlet out to sea. We have concerns, in particular, for the wellbeing of the large male orca.

Find out more: https://t.co/JjTfc7hs8r

— Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) August 31, 2021

Wellington District Road Policing manager Inspector Wade Jennings said the orca pod had drawn a large number of people to Pāuatahanui inlet under alert level 3 restrictions.

"Road policing staff have issued 12 formal warnings in relation to people travelling to view the pod," he said.

"It is important to remember that recreational activity and exercise at alert level 3 should be in your local area. Stay close to home and go to your local park or beach, not necessarily your favourite one."