A group of whales have died after becoming stranded on a Northland beach.
The pod of pilot whales was spotted close to shore near Mangawhai on Tuesday night, with charity Project Jonah keeping tabs on their whereabouts.
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It said four of the pod stranded this morning at Ruakaka, leading to the death of three of the whales. Volunteers arrived to save the remaining whale but it later died.
Project Jonah spokesperson Louisa Hawkes said she's worried about the rest of the pod.
"The remainder of the pod has not been sighted yet so there are concerns that they may have stranded somewhere else."
A light aircraft will also be sent up to look for the rest of the pod, and people are asked to call Project Jonah if they spot more beached whales.
People who spot beached whales can call Project Jonah on 0800 494 253.
Newshub.
