Independent film-maker Caroline Fitzgerald is working on a documentary about the history of whaling in the Far North, and is keen to hear from anyone who may have taken video footage or photographs of the stranding of a 12-metre sperm whale at Cooper's Beach four years ago.
Ms Fitzgerald would like to include images in the documentary, which will be screened in New Zealand and overseas, on television and at film festivals.
The stranding took place on Monday October 10, 2011, and was reported in the Northland Age on October 14. The article noted that DOC staff and volunteers had battled for six hours to prevent the whale from beaching, calling a halt only as the light began to fail and the risk of injury increased. The animal died at 10pm. The carcass was transported to Kenana Marae where it was processed by a number of volunteers.
Ms Fitzgerald is also interested in hearing from anyone who was at the marae and may have filmed the process.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to contact Jan Ferguson at the Butler Point Whaling Museum, phone (09) 406-0006.
