Orca sightings in Waikato prompt DoC reminder to respect rules for interactions with wildlife

After several recent orca pod sightings in Waikato, the Department of Conservation (DoC) is reminding people to respect the rules around interactions with marine mammals.

A family pod of five orcas – part of the resident population off New Zealand’s coasts – has been seen in Raglan and Kāwhia Harbour over the last two weeks. DoC staff said it is likely the animals are feeding in the two harbours.

Another local orca sighting was reported at Port Waikato’s Sunset Beach over the weekend, where two surfers were treated to a special surf session.

DoC marine species manager Malene Felsing said while it was great to see the marine mammals were bringing people a lot of joy, the department had received reports of people getting too close to the animals.

In one incident, a boat was alleged to have chased the pod in Raglan Harbour.

Felsing said this kind of behaviour could put people and the orcas at risk.

“[The orca pod] includes a large male and an adult female – these are powerful animals [which] could do serious harm if agitated.”

The pod also includes calves, which are particularly susceptible to injury or disturbances such as being separated from their mothers.

“It’s really important to let the orcas decide how they want to interact with people,” Felsing said.

“We can’t stop the orcas from approaching people, but we should be letting them choose to do that, rather than forcing our presence on them.”

Orcas are apex predators. Their population in New Zealand waters is estimated to be between 150-200 individuals.

Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, orcas are classified as nationally critical with disturbance by vessels, including recreational boats, being a threat to orcas due to noise pollution.

Orcas can grow up to 9m in length, with male dorsal fins reaching higher than a metre. Photo / Paul Taylor

If approached by an orca, anyone in a vessel, including kayakers and paddleboarders, should stop, turn any engines off and just enjoy the encounter until the animals are ready to move on – and don’t chase after them.

New Zealand’s marine mammal protection rules say vessels must stay 50m from orcas. The maximum number of vessels allowed within 300m of orcas is three.

Kayaks may raft together as one vessel; otherwise, they count as individual vessels too, DoC said.

Anyone purposefully approaching them at a range closer than 50m, or in a way that disturbs them, is breaking the law and could face an infringement or prosecution.

Surfer Liam Davies said the moment he was joined in the surf by a pod of orca whales was "unforgettable".

All seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are also protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. Do not circle the marine mammals, obstruct their path or cut through any groups.

Anyone charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine mammal faces a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000.

“We want marine mammals like orcas to be able to go about their natural behaviours such as feeding, socialising, and resting, and improper interactions can severely disrupt this kind of behaviour,” Felsing said.

People who have seen harassment or disturbance of a marine mammal – including the two Waikato Harbour incidents already reported to DoC – should call 0800 DOC HOT. Witnesses should provide a description of what they’ve seen, where and when it occurred and the details of any vessels or vehicles.

In May last year, a man was fined $600 after a video emerged of him attempting to leap on to an orca in waters off Auckland.