Late afternoon on 26 February, one of Moana New Zealand’s tio (oyster) farm workers noticed something out of the ordinary moving in between the lines at our Whangaroa tio farm.
Moana New Zealand CEO Steve Tarrant says, “Upon heading out on the water to investigate, they found a tohorā (whale) swimming between the lines. Moana kaimahi immediately notified the Department of Conservation and local Iwi.
“It is unknown what brought the tohorā into the harbour, but I’m pleased our kaimahi moved swiftly to ensure the right people are involved in protecting the safety of this precious taonga.”
Last night, the tohorā swam away from the tio farm, and has been spotted this afternoon swimming in Ratcliffe Bay.
The Department of Conservation is managing the efforts to guide the safe return of the tohorā out to sea, and Moana will continue to support their efforts as needed.
ENDS
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