Even a pygmy blue whale has been monitored there.

Photo: Supplied Experts are shocked to hear how the national museum has stored the pygmy blue whale skeleton.

A team of scientists have captured what could be world-first footage of a pygmy blue whale feeding her calf.

The pygmy blue whale referred to in the emails was a significant item in the Te Papa collection, Mr Rudge said.

The area was home to both Maui's dolphins and pygmy blue whales, it said.

Until recently, it was believed that the pygmy blue whales seen in the South Taranaki Bight were just animals passing through the area.