A whale in the port of Wgtn could mean that the Matariki fireworks are postponed

A fireworks show for Matariki may be postponed if a rare whale continues to swim in the harbor

Wellington's waterfront is filled with excitement as locals try to find a way out. to see the southern right whale. The man told RNZ that he was 20 m from the whale after the Dominion Post Ferry offered to those who had gathered at the water's edge a free tour of the whale. whale watching on Thursday morning

and took us to see the whale – we saw the whale climb back up, breathe and dive and show its fins, it was really great. "

But the presence of the mammal in the port led to Wellington City Council is planning to postpone the fireworks Matariki Saturday.The event, which was moved from November to align on Matariki – the Maori New Year – attracts thousands of people each year on the waterfront.

19659008] [TRADUCTION] Maritime NZ / Mark Dittmer

Deputy Mayor Jill Day said the council was consulting experts to see if that should go ahead.

"Our officers are working hard to get all the information can, so obviously speak to experts who understand the behavior of these beautiful animals and how a fireworks fire would have an impact on that. "

And the residents of RNZ have strongly supported the postponement of the event if the whale is still in the harbor"

"I would rather see whales than fireworks do not" any day of the week, "says a man.

" I think that they should absolutely, even if they are not entirely sure of being there or not, it would be much better to think that he was not going "If they are still there, I would cancel it, the protection of wildlife is more important," said another woman

. C & # 39; was the first time in eight years that a southern right whale had visited the harbor.

The whale breed was almost hunted out but has since returned, said Mrs. Hendriks.

She warned locals to stay at a distance "We would really like people to give it a bit of space, so there are regulations on marine mammals that dictate up to Where you are supposed to stay away from the whale. "

" Ships should be 50m from the whale. the whale at all times and only three ships within 300 m, "she said.

Police patrolled the water on Thursday afternoon to make sure boats and kayakers kept their distance