Editorial: Life's a beach - that's great

A hawksbill turtle, likely run over by a vehicle, was rushed to Auckland Zoo Vet Centre but died of lung injuries a day later. (Photo not of mentioned turtle).

Northland's winter throws up all sorts of oddities on our beaches.

In the past month we've had whales, albatrosses and now turtles on our coastline.

And this winter, if you dig on the beach in the right place, you might also turn up illicit packages of methamphetamine.

A perfect storm of neighbourhood vigilance, reactive policing and bungled boat launching led to the methamphetamine's discovery.

And rough weather preceded the discovery of an exhausted albatross on Ninety Mile Beach last week. And this week three turtles have turned up on Northland's west coast.

Tragically, motorists may not be spotting these unique marine animals.

A hawksbill turtle was found with a large crack along its shell, which suggested it had been run over by a vehicle. Ninety Mile Beach is designated as a highway, which means the turtles are playing Russian roulette by venturing onto the sand.

The turtle was rushed to Auckland Zoo Vet Centre but died of lung injuries a day later.

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium staff have dealt with four turtle strandings in two weeks, three on Ninety Mile Beach and one at Napier. Two of the four animals have died.

Kelly Tarlton's staff aren't too sure why there is a spate of turtle stranding - it may not necessarily be bad weather causing the strandings.

But call 0800 DOC HOT if you spot one.

And let us know what other weird and wonderful things have turned up on the beach recently. Even in winter, heading to a Northland beach still makes a great day out.