AN uncommon pygmy sperm whale was found washed up dead at Ohiwa Harbour on Tuesday.
Department of Conservation ranger Pete Livingstone said the cause of death was still unclear.
“He has a few scrapes along his back and fin, probably from fighting with another whale.
But other than these marks, which are common, he is in good condition.”
The whale was a fully grown male, measuring around 2.5 metres.
As well as the scrapes along his back, the whale had scars along his body from cookiecutter sharks.
These small sharks are known for taking large bites out of larger animals, leaving round deep holes in their flesh.
Mr Livingstone said it was unusual for a pygmy sperm whale to be in the area at this time of year and it was the first time he had seen one.
DoC took a sample to send for testing before the whale was released to Te Upokorehe hapu.
Kaumatua Wallace Aramoana said the hapu would take the oil, bone and teeth from the whale and use it for cultural purposes and as a natural resource.
“All we want to do is share the experiences of our ancestors with the modern world,” said Mr Aramoana.
“We want to share each other’s knowledge, with the western world and us coming together.”
The whale will be buried in a shallow grave at Roimata Marae, so it can naturally decompose before the bones are dug up again to be studied.
In the past, the hapu has found evidence of cancer and deafness through studying whale bones.
“Researchers from the University of Otago came out last time,” said Mr Aramoana.
“We found that whale was actually deaf. I think big boats deafen them, and because they use their hearing or sonar to find food they end up starving.”
Mr Aramoana said cutting the whales open to harvest resources and to study them could be emotional as it was like cutting himself.
“That’s how we liken ourselves, we’re one with the whale.
“We’re all warm-blooded mammals, we’re the same.
“We want to bring this taonga back to the people, we want to preserve it. Then most importantly, it will be shared.”