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© AlamyWhale beachings are not uncommon along the New Zealand coast and more than 100 pilot whales died in a stranding in the South Island last December
Nearly 60 pilot whales have died after becoming stranded on a beach in New Zealand according to conservation officials.

The mass stranding of a pod of 73 whales was discovered mid-morning. Carolyn Smith from the Department of Conservation said the whales probably beached overnight, which was why so many died before a rescue operation was launched.

The area around Kaitaia beach, in the far north of New Zealand, was experiencing heavy rain and wind which Ms Smith said helped the surviving whales by ensuring they did not dry out but made it difficult for rescuers preparing to refloat the mammals.

At least five people are needed to work with each of the whales, which weigh up to 1.5 tonnes.

Whale beachings are not uncommon along the New Zealand coast and more than 100 pilot whales died in a stranding in the South Island last December.

A pod of 101 pilot whales stranded on the same beach in 2007.

The country has one of the world's highest rates of whale standings, according to the Department of Conservation. Since 1840, more than 5,000 standings of whales and dolphins have been recorded around the New Zealand coast.