Protect Māui & Hector's Dolphins – Endangered Treasures of Aotearoa

$35 of $10,000 goal

Given by 3 generous donors in around 8 months

Māui and Hector’s dolphins are disappearing from the waters of Aotearoa. Support urgent action to protect these endangered taonga.

Nationwide

They’re found nowhere else on Earth. Māui and Hector’s dolphins are unique to Aotearoa – and they’re vanishing.

With fewer than 50 Māui dolphins left, we are on the brink of losing them forever. Their close cousins, Hector’s dolphins, are also endangered. Both species face constant threats from fishing nets, pollution, disease, and habitat destruction.

This is not just a loss of wildlife – it’s the loss of a taonga, a living treasure.

The Endangered Species Foundation is working urgently with iwi, scientists, and communities to protect these dolphins through education, advocacy, and habitat protection. But we can’t do it without your help.

If we act now, there’s still hope.

Please donate – and be part of the fight to save what’s left.

🐬Protect Māui and Hector’s dolphins – endangered treasures of Aotearoa.

About us

Aotearoa faces a biodiversity crisis. We support projects that protect endangered species and habitats, working with Māori and communities to urgently restore ecosystems and inspire action through stories, tools, and partnerships.

Use of funds

Funds will support community engagement, education, and advocacy to protect Māui and Hector’s dolphins. If the target isn’t met, donations will still help raise awareness, empower local solutions, and push for policy change to safeguard their future.

Latest update

Help Save Māui and Hector's Dolphins 29 December 2025

Māui and Hector’s dolphins are the smallest marine dolphins in the world - and among the most endangered. Found only in the waters of Aotearoa, they are a very important part of our marine ecosystems.

Once the most sighted dolphins around both islands, they are now fighting for survival - fewer than 50 Māui dolphins are alive today and only 10,000-15,000 Hector’s dolphins remain - down from nearly 30,000 just 45 years ago. Your support will help draw attention to the issues and empower the public to take action to make a difference.

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Latest donations

Guest Donor on 30 May 2025

We can't keep bottom trawling our oceans and destroying their habitats :(

Private

Endangered Species Foundation of New Zealand

Ngā mihi nui for your support and your message. We completely agree – bottom trawling is devastating to our marine ecosystems and to species like Māui and Hector’s dolphins. We continue to advocate for stronger protections, including an end to destructive fishing practices, and your support helps amplify that voice. Thank you for standing with us.