• A rare dolphin, possibly a critically endangered Māui dolphin, has been spotted in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. 
• The Department of Conservation (DoC) is monitoring the area and plans to collect a DNA sample. 
• The sighting comes a month before the SailGP event; DoC will ensure marine mammal protection. 

A “rare dolphin” has been spotted in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour just over a month before the scheduled SailGP event, with the Department of Conservation scrambling to determine if it is a “critically endangered” breed. 

A rowing team training early on Wednesday near Herald Island saw a distinct fin breaking the surface of the water. 

DoC says the “rare dolphin” could be either a Hector’s or a “critically endangered” Māui dolphin. 

“It’s very unusual to see a Hector’s dolphin this far north of the east coast of the North Island. However, we do get occasional reports,” said marine district operations manager Kirsty Prior. 

The sighting comes just over a month before the scheduled New Zealand SailGP event in Auckland. A dolphin sighting on the racecourse forced a cancellation of the opening day of racing in SailGP’s return to Christchurch in March this year. 

While the second day of racing went ahead without a hitch and served up one of the best days of racing in the league’s history, SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts cast doubt on the event returning to Christchurch. 

A dolphin sighting on the racecourse forced a cancellation of the opening day of racing in SailGP’s return to Christchurch in March this year. Photo / SailGP 

DoC said it had not been in touch with SailGP regarding the latest sighting in Auckland. The event is scheduled to take place on January 18-19. 

“Dolphins are highly mobile, so this sighting is unlikely to have any impact on the event. If there are sightings closer to the start of SailGP we will definitely be in touch with the event team,” Prior said. 

“SailGP is an exciting and important event for Auckland and we are keen to support its success. DoC will have vessels on the water for both race days and during practice, to respond if any incidents involving protected wildlife are to occur. 

“SailGP, like all other water users, will need to abide by the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations.” 

DoC said it was keeping a close eye on the area and hoped to collect a DNA sample from the dolphin to confirm its species and support vital conservation efforts. 

DoC asked anyone who had similar sightings in Auckland to give the dolphin plenty of space, especially from powered vessels, and to not fly drones over the marine mammal. 

It said sightings could be reported by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or by visiting the DoC website to provide details like location, time and behaviour. 

“This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about these precious taonga,” DoC said.