It’s a wrap - for now
We’ve been on the road for almost seven weeks, taking action for Hector’s dolphin protection.
Thanks to everyone who joined us, who gave us accommodation, kai, koha and encouragement.
In that time we honoured the 19 Hector’s dolphins killed since September 2023 (as of the end of Feb, that’s now 20!!) by erecting dolphins on crosses to reflect the numbers in each area where they’ve been caught by the fishing industry. That was one dolphin in Cloudy Bay, two in Kaikoura, six in Pegasus Bay, one in Banks Peninsula, seven in Timaru and two in Otago. That’s too many. No dolphins should be drowned in fishing nets.
Our final installation, at Oreti beach reflecting all the Hector’s dolphins killed since September 2023.
That’s why we visited the fish factories of Talley’s and Sanford in Motueka and Timaru, Pegasus fishing in Lyttelton, and Otago’s Harbourfish, and protested outside Nelson Port.
We installed 20 life-size Hector’s dolphins on Christchurch’s New Brighton beach, to reflect the number that the government says it’s ok for the fishing industry to kill, of more than 50 around the country, every year. (The video of that event is here, please share!)
We attended markets and stood on busy streets talking to thousands of people in Nelson, Kaikoura, the Picton Maritime Festival, Dunedin markets, Porpoise Bay and Riverton. We installed a library display in Invercargill and held a public meeting there. We joined forces with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in Nelson, and Forest and Bird in Otago and Southland.
A Dolphin Defender in Nelson
We met new volunteers who brought their energy and enthusiasm, as well as their signs (“toot for dolphins”), fancy head gear, creative costumes and songs, and their babies!
We had heaps of media coverage along the way (for example, here and here), and saw live Hector’s dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound, Kaikoura, Lyttelton, Rakaia river mouth, Wakanui beach and Porpoise Bay. They’re why we do what we do. Long live all Hector’s dolphins!
Soon we’ll be collecting the twenty life-size dolphins from their marvellous maker Max, packing them into our van and heading home.
Not for a rest, but to prepare for our submission on the Minister for Fisheries, Shane Jones’ plan to weaken fisheries rules, and also for Dolphin Defender events in Raglan (16 March) and Piha later in the month. We’ll be in touch with a submission writing guide and other details soon.
And the 2025 Protect Hector’s roadshow has been such a success, we’re planning to do it all again next year. Join us!
And if you’d like to support our work, you can donate via MAUIS AND HECTORS DOLPHINS EDUCATION/ACTION and the number is 38-9012-0678151-00. We’re a registered charity so donations over $5 are tax deductible and all donations go directly toward protecting Hector’s dolphins.
Thanks for all your support!
Posted: 24 February 2025