The Last of Mauis Dolphins (Paperback)

Hiriwa, a new calf, is warned by the pod of Maui's dolphins about the dangers of going near the dark shapes (fishing boats). Hiriwa heeds their warning until one day the bottom-set gillnet from a fishing trawler catches his friends. He does all he can to save them. Maria writes an engaging story to tell young children about the plight of the critically endangered Maui's dolphin. Commercial fishing techniques pose a great risk to the survival of the species. Although the government proposes to extend the marine mammal sanctuary along the west coast of the North Island, many people say this is not enough. This picture book includes a double-page spread with environmental and behavioural facts about Maui's dolphin, its cousin the Hector's dolphin, and what can be done to help them survive.