Auckland's biggest hapu says it supports the work of conservation group Sea Shepherd and has officially welcomed one of its ships to Waitemata Harbour.
The Sam Simon will be in Auckland and Wellington before heading off to Antarctica later in the year. Photo: AFP
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The international crew of 25 volunteers aboard the Sam Simon is in New Zealand to finalise preparations before its next anti-whaling campaign in Antarctica.
Ngati Whatua o Orakei held a powhiri on Princess Wharf for the crew today.
A trustee, Sharon Hawke, said the powhiri thanked the crew for their commitment to the cause.
Ms Hawke said the volunteers' work protecting whales enables them to survive and helps sustain their populations, which is something that resonates with them in Maori culture.
The Sam Simon will be open for free public tours in Auckland from 1-9 November. The crew will then move on to Wellington before leaving for Antarctica later this year.