Baby orca Toa was farewelled at the weekend by around 70 people before being taken for burial by Ngāti Toa rangatira.
The orca died in his sea pen on Friday evening after being cared for at the Plimmerton Boat Club for the past two weeks.
Toa was believed to be between four and six months old and volunteers had hoped to reunite him with his pod.
The Department of Conservation says the ceremony - attended by Ngāti Toa, members of the local community, volunteers and DOC staff - was respectful and moving.
Veterinarian Lydia Uddstrom provided technical advice for the orca's care.
She spoke to Susie Ferguson.
