A rāhui has been placed over a Coromandel beach following the beaching of a dead sperm whale.

Department of Conservation operations manager Nick Kelly confirmed to SunLive on Saturday that a 16-metre sperm whale had beached at Matapaua Bay.

In a statement today, DOC says Ngāti Hei has placed a rāhui over Wharekaho Beach.

The rāhui will be in place for five days.

'The site has been secured for cultural and health and safety reasons. Ngāti Hei and Hauraki iwi are currently working through their operation plan with assistance from DOC,” says a DOC spokesperson.

'We ask members of the public to be patient and understanding as this is an emotional time for all involved.”

The rāhui is in collobaration with Ngāti Hei, DOC, Waikato Regional Council, Thames-Coromandel District Council and Whitianga Police.

Ngāti Hei has named the sperm whale Puhiwai Rangi which refers to the name of the whenua adjacent to the place where the deceased whale was beached.

'The gift from Tangaroa. Puhiwai Rangi has been brought back to Wharekaho. The Taonga will live on with cultural significance and respect,” says Ngāti Hei kaumātua Joe Davis.

Information on sperm whales can be found on the DOC website here: Sperm whales: New Zealand marine mammals (doc.govt.nz)

The dead sperm whale beached on Saturday morning at Matapaua Bay. Image: Google Maps.