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Rescuers try to refloat pilot whales stranded in New Zealand

Published

At least 20 pilot whales stranded along the Ngawi coast near Cape Palliser on New Zealand's North Island. Two have been refloated so far, while locals said up to 50 whales came ashore overnight.

The Department of Conservation is working with local iwi and Project Jonah to refloat the survivors. Project Jonah specialises in rescuing stranded whales.

Project Jonah said in a Facebook post that four whales were alive. It said rescuers would try to refloat them during high tide.

Rob Bargh, a Ngawi local, told Radio New Zealand the scene was horrible. He said the whales that were still alive were close to death.

Key facts

Who
Department of Conservation (New Zealand conservation department working on the rescue); Project Jonah (group that specialises in rescuing stranded whales); Rob Bargh (Ngawi local)
What
At least 20 pilot whales were stranded along the Ngawi coast near Cape Palliser, and the Department of Conservation is working with local iwi and Project Jonah to refloat survivors; two have been refloated so far. Locals said up to 50 whales were stranded overnight.
When
5 November 2026
Where
Ngawi coast, Cape Palliser, North Island
Status
Reported

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