Four pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on a beach in Northland this afternoon.

Project Jonah, the Department of Conservation (DOC), police and local iwi Patuharakeke were called after 40 whales were stranded on Ruakākā Beach.

Three adult pilot whales and one calf has since died, DOC told 1News in a statement.

"DOC staff and Project Jonah are on site, and there is some concern that the pilot whales will re-strand themselves. DOC staff and Project Jonah are monitoring the situation and staying vigilant for further possible strandings."

"The local iwi Pareharakeke will be at the beach maintaining watch overnight. DOC will stay a little longer this evening, then be back again at first light," DOC said.

DOC is now appealing for sightings of the whales from the public along the Breen Bay coastline.

Project Jonah earlier thanked a team of 30 marine mammal medics who "responded quickly" to help the whales, as well as members of the public who sought assistance.

Members of the public have been urged by DOC and police to steer clear of the scene.

"We have plenty of help. It is best if people stay away to ease the congestion at the beach and if people aren't directly involved with helping the whales, we ask you please go home," DOC ranger supervisor Kallen Mehrtens said.

"We're aware that our communities want to help, but we urge people not to approach the whales," police added.
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