Our objectives

1. Awareness

Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders work across New Zealand to raise awareness of these lovely wee dolphins who are found only here. But they are seriously threatened with extinction.

We have a range of resources available to help raise awareness and to promote appreciation and knowledge of these special little ocean dwellers.

We encourage the celebration of Māui and Hector’s dolphins through art.

We work with other groups as well as scientists, to ensure we are using the best information available and supporting the work of others to understand the status of Māui and Hector’s dolphins and to improve their chances of recovery.

2. Education

We visit and talk to schools and community groups, providing presentations and information so people are better informed about where New Zealand dolphins can be found and what their risks are. We resource and encourage people of all ages to become Dolphin Defenders. We also organise and take part in public ocean-focused events making sure Māui and Hector’s dolphins are on the radar.

If you would like some of our Dolphin Defenders to speak to your group or school, or would like some brochures or other information please let us know. Learn more…

3. Action!

Our group works with politicians, councils, scientists and other organisations, spreading the word and working for change. We write submissions and lobby government for better protection. This includes writing to the Animal Welfare Act review, District Plans and by-laws, and Government submission processes. Where necessary we organise and take part in marches and protests.

We encourage people to avoid eating fish caught using indiscriminate fishing methods such as gill-netting (set and trawl nets). Most of the fish in your local fish and chip shop is caught using methods that result in the by-catch of dolphins, sharks and birds.

Send a message to the fishing companies that endanger Māui & Hector’s dolphins - don’t buy it!

We have also been instrumental in getting interpretation signs featuring Māui Dolphins along the West Coast, from where the dolphins can be seen, and we install art in coastal communities.

If there’s a spot at a beach near you that could do with some art or interpretation, please let us know and we will try to help bring it to fruition.