Ten whales have been moved above high-water mark, as they were at risk from drowning due to heavy swells.
Forty DOC staff and volunteers are working with the whales currently.
This article will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
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Just 15 of the 58 pilot whales stranded on a Far North beach are still alive, DOC says.
The pods of pilot whales came ashore at Karikari beach, on the Karikari Peninsula, last night and were discovered by a member of the public this morning.
“On arrival at the beach, DOC staff discovered a tragic scene,” DOC said.
Because the whales stranded in darkness, many of them had died before they were discovered.
Community Relations programme manager for the Department of Conservation in Kaitaia Carolyn Smith said rescuers were now concentrating on refloating the remaining whales.
Heavy rain and wind at the scene is having a mixed impact – it is keeping the whales from drying out but also hindering rescuers.
The survivors will be moved around 4:30pm during high tide, when they will be positioned to face out to sea.
They will be held in the water for half an hour to reorientate themselves, before being released.
Ms Smith says that because of the delicate physiology of marine mammals, and the risks associated with refloating them, it’s important that the teams working with them are adequately trained.
“We’re very grateful to the Far North Whale Rescue, who run free training workshops for people who want to be involved in whale strandings,” said Ms Smith.
This is the sixth stranding of pilot whales since Christmas, according to AUT marine biologist Steve O'Shea.
If you have pictures or video of the whales please contact 3 News at news@tv3.co.nz.
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