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Story: Northland places

Fish shop, Opononi

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Fish shop, Opononi

In the summer of 1955–56 a dolphin swam with holidaymakers at Opononi on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour, attracting national and international attention. Opo, as she was called, died in mysterious circumstances, but has been memorialised in various ways. This sculpture of her is above the local fish-and-chip shop.

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Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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How to cite this page

Claudia Orange, Northland places – Hokianga district, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/7843/fish-shop-opononi (accessed 8 June 2026).

Story by Claudia Orange, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 May 2015.