Scientists will use DNA profiling for the first time to count the critically endangered Maui dolphins.

Just nine of the 63 whales found stranded on a Northland beach on Friday have survived.

Eleven pilot whales have been successfully transported and refloated at Matai Bay after a mass stranding on Karikari Beach near Kaitaia yesterday.

The number of whales to have perished on Karikari beach has now reached 44 - but rescuers are trying to save 14 survivors.

She sells high-end furniture, but knows how to gut a pig, meet a hunting guide with a difference.

A giant squid which washed up on a Wellington beach this morning will be left to the elements.

A week after being released back into the wild, and more than two months after being knocked over by a car, North Island brown kiwi Darkstar has drowned in a culvert.

A huge sperm whale has been torched and butchered after washing up on a beach in the Wairarapa.

About 400 people turned out to pay their last respects to Moko the dolphin at his funeral procession and memorial service in Whakatane today.

Talks continue today on where Moko the bottlenose dolphin should be laid to rest, with Mahia, Whakatane, Gisborne, Tologa Bay and Te Kaha vying to host his remains.

The carcass believed to be of much-loved dolphin Moko has arrived at Massey University in Palmerston North for an autopsy.

Moko the dolphin, who thrilled and sometimes unsettled swimmers with his playfulness and imposing physical size, has been found dead.

The dolphin carcass believed to be that of Moko was removed from Matakana Island by DOC staff this afternoon and will be sent to Massey University for an autopsy.

A man has been arrested over the theft of more than 20 geckos taken from two separate locations in Northland over the past 10 days.