DoC investigates boaties filmed driving over pod of orcas in Northland

Once they are near enough, they drive several times over the top of the orcas.
Once they are near enough, they drive several times over the top of the orcas. Photo credit: Faye Lowrey/Facebook.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is urging anyone to come forward with information about a group of boaties filmed driving over a pod of orcas in Ngawai Bay, Northland.

In drone footage posted on Facebook, two boats and a paddleboarder are filmed making their way towards a pod of orcas in Ngawai Bay, close to Helena Bay.

The boats are filmed heading directly towards the four orcas and a calf.

Once they are near enough, they drive several times over the top of the orcas.

According to DoC senior ranger, Dr Cat Peters, the boaties were putting the whales at risk as they could have been struck by the propellers.

"It's that kind of behaviour that takes the choice away from the orca," she told Stuff.

"They're actively having to adapt to the boats. That's an indication that something is happening."

According to DoC's website, several rules are being broken in the video.

The boaties are not only filmed speeding towards the orcas, but disturb and harass the mammals.

DoC rules indicate that individuals must stay at least 50m away from any whale - but this is completely disregarded in the video.

The penalty for harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine animal is a maximum fine of $250,000, or jail time of up to two years.

Anyone with information about either the paddleboarder or the boaties is urged to phone 0800 DOC HOT (362 468).