Scrimgeour says the incident reinforces the need for boaties to maintain a distance from marine mammals.
"Tohorā are rare and incredible animals and we are lucky to have them in our waters. Getting too close can put their welfare at risk, particularly when they have a calf. It can also put boaties and other recreators at risk as these are large mammals.
"Boaties should keep their vessels 50m from whales at all times. If it's a mother whale with a calf, that distance should be 200m."
Vessels near marine mammals should be piloted in a safe and sensible manner, and the master of any vessel less than 300m from any marine mammal should use their best endeavours to move the vessel at a constant slow speed no faster than the slowest marine mammal in the vicinity, or at idle or "no wake" speed.
Boaties should avoid sudden or repeated changes of speed or direction in their vessels, and any interaction should end if the animals show any sign of distress or appear to become alarmed.
"The ocean off the North Island is a known habitat for whales. Māui dolphins are commonly seen throughout the western coasts of Waikato and Auckland, orca come into Whaingaroa Harbour, and other species have been spotted along the coast in recent weeks," says Scrimgeour.
"We understand people want to check out these majestic animals, but for everyone's sake, please show respect and admire them from a distance.
"We also appreciate the co-operation of the person involved in the incident."
During winter months, southern right whales spend time in coastal waters where they breed, socialise, and raise their young. It is normal for these whales to appear in very shallow water during this time. During summer, they disperse offshore to feed.
The majority of New Zealand's tohorā population is based in the sub-Antarctic, after hunting reduced their numbers around New Zealand drastically in the 1800s. Increases in sightings of the whales around the mainland is an exciting sign that the species' population is slowly recovering.
