At least 30 whales are believed to have died after dozens of pilot whales stranded 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.
Department of Conservation's Ariana Hawira said the last known mass stranding was in the 1990s.
"It's not very common here."
Two pods stranded at Ngawi, on the south-east tip of the North Island. (Source: 1News)
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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