NZ rescuers dismantle wharf to save trapped pygmy blue whale

A juvenile pygmy blue whale has been freed after it was found trapped under a wharf on Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand's North Island.

The whale, approximately 14-15 metres in length, was first reported stranded on Monday morning.

It was freed by 6pm after the Schoolhouse Bay Wharf was removed.

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New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) staff, alongside iwi representatives and technical experts, were on-site throughout the day.

After removing the dock, those involved guided the whale out of the channel and DOC said it was later seen swimming in deeper waters.

On Instagram, DOC described it as a "highly unusual situation."

They said, "Ngati Manuhiri were an integral part of the mahi today, providing boat support and kaitiaki were alongside us during the day making decisions."'

DOC has asked the public to report any whale sightings, both in the ocean and along local beaches, over the next few days, as they will be actively monitoring the area for any potential restrandings.

This story has been reproduced with permission from Stuff.co.nz.