The Department of Conservation (DOC) is keeping a close eye on a pod of dolphins in the Far North after four stranded on Tokerau Beach this morning.
Locals re-floating dolphins at Tokerau Beach. Photo: Facebook / Project Jonah
Local residents successfully refloated the animals.
Once the dolphins were about 20 metres offshore they were joined by about 30 more, and they're now swimming parallel to the beach about 300 metres out.
DOC staff are monitoring the pod and have rescue equipment ready if it's needed.
They said they're seeing an increase in marine mammal strandings at the moment and people should call 0800 DOC HOT so staff can respond as soon as possible.