Taranaki iwi is supporting the Department of Conservation decision to leave the remains of a washed up Blue Whale to decompose naturally near a local reserve.
The 20 metre 100 tonne tohora (whale) was found on Tapuae Marine Reserve on the Taranaki coast last week.
DoC says the whale is difficult to get to and using heavy machinery is likely to impact the reserve.
It is urging members of the public to avoid the whale as there is a health risk through transfer of disease.
Staff from DoC and Massey University say the mammal was too decomposed to find out how it died.
Taranaki iwi has blessed the whale and the bones will be provided to the tribe if requested.
