Kaitiaki means guardian to my people. And orca are mine. The big male you see here in the foreground is called Rudie. in 2004 at the Taiharuru estuary, north-east of Whangarei, New Zealand, he stranded chasing their fav food, stingrays. Rudie is around 6.6m long. To see this guy and his family in my local water, was incredible. He was so curious and laid under our boat while we sat with engine off quietly watching in awe. A life size replica is on display at Te Papa museum in Wellington.

Orca are my guardians, when I have needed them, they have come to me, they have gifted me their catch while I was on a paddleboard. I have had them playing with me, putting their nose on the back of the boat. They are the most amazing creature in the world and I am truly blessed to have spent so much time with them.