We have had many guests stop off in Mahia and have been amazed by Moko's antics. For some this has been an unplanned surprise and the highlight of their trip to Gisborne.
7 May 2009
By Jessica Wauchop
The Gisborne Herald
AFTER two years at Mahia Beach, Moko the dolphin is repaying locals for their hospitality by gifting them some of his greatest treasures.
Last week Rosana Ratapu was given a huge, freshly-caught snapper by Moko while she was swimming.
It is not the first incident of this kind, with many people receiving seahorses, gurnard, kahawai and sea dragons.
Ms Ratapu said receiving the snapper from Moko was "the most amazing experience".
"Moko was coming towards me and he had something on his nose. From a distance I didn't realise it was a fish, but he got closer and closer and nudged it into me," said Ms Ratapu.
"He was awesome, it was just amazing. I was so excited it was like getting a whole lot of Christmas presents all in one hit.
"I was playing with Moko and the fish for about an hour, pushing it between us. After a while I thought I would try to take it, to see if he meant me to take it home.
"He blocked me off and I threw it back in case he wanted it and then we played again for another hour . . . after that he nudged it to me again and let me take it home."
Moko has been in the bay since Easter 2007. During this time, he has saved a whale and her calf, stolen body boards from children, gifted fish and seaweed to his friends and entertained thousands of visitors.
"He is absolutely beautiful. I was just the lucky one who happened to be around to receive his present."
The snapper was "delicious", said Ms Ratapu.
"The fish wasn't just meant for me I don't think so I gave most of it away to our koroua and koia (older people), but it was beautiful, nice big steaks.
"When I filleted the fish, inside its puku was a whole seahorse. The snapper must have only just finished eating it when Moko got to it."
Mahia resident Doi Ormond saw the whole event unfold but still struggles to believe it.
"It was amazing. She was so privileged to get that," said Mrs Ormond.
"I was watching her play with Moko and then saw her lifting something out of the water. I couldn't believe it, I thought it was a towel.
"When I realised it was a fish I was shocked. I was telling people at the golf club later in the day and one man said he had seen Moko do something similar with a kingfish."
With school back in full swing and winter setting in, Moko has been short of playmates, said Ms Ratapu.
"There is no doubt he would be getting lonely. He was lavished all summer - he had all this company but that has dwindled right down now."
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