In 1975 a 26-metre blue whale washed up on the shoreline of the beach north of Awakino in the Waitomo District of the Waikato Region of New Zealand. The remains were subjected to wave action and exposure on the beach before being removed and prepared by burying them on a rural farm for three years. They were then restored and remained on display at the Taranaki Museum until 2021. Learn about the much-needed re-treatment of this beloved whale skeleton.