A young whale stranded on Ohope beach this morning, prompting local residents to rush to its aid.
The whale was discovered shortly before 7am this morning, lying near the high tide mark and with fresh-looking cuts or bites to its head and tail.
It is 3 metres long and is thought to be a young pygmy sperm whale.
More than 50 people have gone to help the rescue effort, which is being led by trained marine mammal medics.
Tourists, visitors and preschoolers all lent a hand to form a bucket chain carrying water from the sea to the whale.
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