Project Jonah and the Department of Conservation are responding to a mass stranding of at least 20 pilot whales near Cape Palliser this afternoon.
The Department of Conservation said it was aware of two pods stranded at Ngawi, on the south-east tip of the North Island.
"Four whales are still alive in the first pod, and we are preparing to attempt a refloat at high-tide. The second pod, further down the coast, is currently being assessed," the department said.
Project Jonah said its medics had been mobilised and were working alongside the Department of Conservation and local iwi.
"Health assessments are underway and preparations are being made for a refloat on this afternoon's high tide, if appropriate," the marine mammal rescue charity said on social media.
No further help was required at this stage.
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