Attempts to refloat the surviving 15 whales stranded at Karikari Beach have been unsuccessful and rescue workers have called off their efforts till first light tomorrow.
Department of Conservation spokesperson Mike Davies says a skeleton crew will monitor the whales over night and DOC will try to move the whales to another beach in the morning to refloat them.
"At first light we're looking at making an attempt to transport the remaining whales across about 1km of road to a neighbouring bay on the other side of the peninsula with a view to re-float them there in better weather conditions," Mr Davies told Radio New Zealand.
Mr Davies said that while the surviving whales are currently coping, the key issue is how they fare during the night.
Nearly 60 of the pilot whales are dead after a pod of 73 were found on the beach.
The Department of Conservation in Kaitaia received a call about 10.30am advising of a mass whale stranding.
Carolyn Smith, community relations programme manager for DOC in Kaitaia, said the whales had probably stranded during the night, and that was why so many perished before being discovered.
The Far North was experiencing heavy rain and wind, which was both a help and a hindrance; the whales would not dry out but it made conditions difficult for rescuers, Ms Smith said.
At up to 1500kg each in weight, it will take at least five people to work with each animal.
Kimberly Muncaster, chief executive of Project Jonah, told NZPA 15 whales were still alive but were in a "fairly poor condition."
"If the animals are too sick, it might be (necessary) to euthanase," she said.
"The communications on the ground are very bad. It's quite difficult to get communications back and forth. But DOC are on the ground, together with volunteers from Far North Whale Rescue.
"Project Jonah volunteers are on standby, and we might need to mobilise them at first light, just to act as fresh volunteers," Ms Muncaster said.
Ms Muncaster heard about the stranding at 11am today.
Ms Smith said that because of the delicate physiology of marine mammals, and the risks associated with refloating them, it was important the teams working with DOC were adequately trained.
"We're very grateful to the Far North Whale Rescue, who run free training workshops for people who want to be involved in whale strandings," Ms Smith said.
Another task facing staff would be the disposal of the deceased whales.
DOC was working with local iwi, Ngati Kahu, on appropriate ways to do this.
- NZPA, NZ Herald staff
Whale rescue called off until morning
Doubtless Bay. Photo / Supplied
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