14 Jul 2022

Humpback whales spotted near Mangawhai Heads

From Morning Report, 7:50 am on 14 July 2022

For the first time in about 200 years, humpback whales have been spotted feeding off the Mangawhai Heads north of Auckland.

Whales were once plentiful around New Zealand, but when whaling began, their numbers plummeted and their feeding grounds changed.

Marine biologist Ingrid Visser says it's remarkable that humpbacks are back feeding in Northland.

She spoke to Susie Ferguson.