The discovery of dead penguins on a Northland beach has raised fears that whatever is killing fish and birds on Auckland beaches has spread.
The six dead birds were found at Matauri Bay at the weekend by the former MP Dover Samuels, who has a home there.
Mr Samuels says it is not unusual to see a little blue penguin or two washed ashore, but they are usually storm-battered or starved. He says the birds he found looked well fed, with no injuries.
There have been other reports of dead little blue penguins, from Mangawhai to Spirits Bay.
East Auckland beaches still off limits
Auckland's eastern beaches are likely to remain largely off limits, at least until the end of the week, due to suspected toxic algae.
Health officials have warned people not to swim, gather shellfish or allow children on the beach as they try to identify what killed many fish and birds as well as two dogs.
Three organisations have taken samples for scientific testing.
