74 pilot whales, have been stranded across 2kms of beach at Spirits Bay north of Kaitaia

Volunteers are being sought to save whales who have stranded at Spirits Bay north of Kaitaia.

Seventy four pilot whales are spread across two kilometre of beach.

49 are alive and 25 dead, with more still stranding.

Principal of nearby Te Hapua School, Rawiri Wihapi, says locals are heading to the beach to help.

He says it started about lunchtime and parents have been taking their kids out of school as they head up to have a look, and do what they can.

There are still up to 50 whales just off-shore.
 

– NewstalkZB