Traditional process for lost whale

Another sperm whale found stranded on a Nga¯ ti Ruanui Hapotiki hapu¯ beach in less than two weeks will be honoured with unique traditional processes.

“This is the 13th whale, one of an unprecedented amount of young male sperm whale stranding along our coast in South Taranaki,” Nga¯ ti Ruanui Rangatira Rukutai Watene said. “We can’t determine what’s happening out in the ocean but we can learn to manage these losses in a way that brings to life cultural practices that honour and pay respect.

Nga¯ ti Wai has managed about 500 whale and dolphin rites throughout Aotearoa. Te Runanga o Nga¯ ti Ruanui Kaiarataki Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says there is concern about a young healthy male pod washing up in these numbers.

“As it is the first in many of our lifetimes, the time is right to learn through this process, allowing traditions to continue with future generations and to understand more of what’s happening out there.” Thanks to the support received from Nga¯ ti Wai and Nga¯ Ruahine, Nga¯ ti Ruanui would work together caring for both the tohora¯ (whale) and each other.

The 11m male sperm whale was found on Friday, June 8 at a remote location accessed on foot along the Waihı¯ (Taranaki) Beach coastline. Many agencies areinvolved including South Taranaki District Council, Taranaki Regional Council, DOC, Fonterra and ANZCO Foods.