Conservation staff are trying to help a 12m sperm whale which became stranded in the Far North.
Locals noticed the whale grounded just off Cooper's Beach in Doubtless Bay, northeast of Kaitaia, about 12:30pm on Monday.
Department of Conservation staff and Far North Coastguard staff were in the water trying to help the whale, DOC Kaitaia community relations manager Carolyn Smith told NZ Newswire.
Ms Smith said they were trying to stop the whale getting any nearer to shore but were not getting too close to the mammal as it could be dangerous.
"They're not aggressive by nature but it could be distressed. A whack from the tail of a 12m whale would be quite serious."
Ms Smith said it was not uncommon for a sperm whale to be stranded by itself.
DOC workers were hoping the 8pm high tide could help get the whale afloat.
NZN