© Glenys UrlichUp to 20 common dolphins were stuck in shallows off Tokerau Beach until locals hearded them back out to sea.
The Department of Conservation's Bay of Islands manager, Rolien Elliot, said 14 common dolphins became stranded on Motukawanui Island, the largest of the Cavalli Islands off Matauri Bay, during incoming tide on Friday evening.
Nine carcasses were discovered by officials from DoC and Far North Whale Rescue while the rest were presumed to have made their way back out to sea.
It could have been the same pod of common dolphins that was stranded in Doubtless Bay a few days earlier, but testing would be needed to confirm whether that was the case.
The dead dolphins were due to be buried on the island yesterday.
Comment: There have now been 15 reports of dead cetaceans emanating from Australasia over the last 3 months, see also -
Six sperm whales found dead in rare mass beaching in South Australia
3 stranded sperm whales die on Rototai beach, New Zealand
12th report in 2 months of dead cetaceans Down Under: Carcass of humpback whale found drifting off Perth coast, Australia
Humpback whale carcass found on Gold Coast beach, Australia
36 stranded pilot whales die in New Zealand
Rare beaked whale found dead on Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Rare, record-sized pygmy whale found dead on Victorian beach, Australia
Eight-metre dead whale washes onto rocks in Batemans Bay, Australia
Dead humpback whale found on Kapiti Coast, New Zealand
Rare deep sea dwelling beaked whale washes up on beach near Newcastle, Australia
Denizen of deep water, cuviers beaked whale found dead on Titahi Bay beach, New Zealand
Humpback whale washes up dead at Kalbarri beach, Western Australia
Dead fin whale found on beach in Warrnambool, Australia
Two dead humpback whales wash up on NSW beaches, Australia
Creatures from the deep signal major Earth Changes: Is anyone paying attention?