Sun Media director Brian Rogers was the first Tauranga resident to make contact with Moko - when the full sized bottle nosed dolphin stole his paddle.
Brian was kayaking near the Sanford Wharf and put the paddle down to take a photo when Moko took his paddle.

Moko followed the Eskdale into Tauranga.

"He came flying out of nowhere, really powerful high speed stuff. He's got some energy for someone who's just swum from Gisborne," says Brian.
"He came up and took my paddle - really neatly. He grabbed the blade and took off about 100 metres."
Brian paddled after it using his hands. Meanwhile Moko was last seen heading north towards the harbour entrance.
Moko followed the fishing boat Eskdale into Tauranga harbour today, says her skipper, Jack.
They noticed Moko following them when they were near Te Kaha, returning from around East Cape. He disappeared and reappeared as they were nearing Tauranga.
He disappeared again in the harbour, probably looking for a feed, says Jack.
Moko has followed fishing boats before. He followed one round East Cape when he left Gisborne, where he had been resident for a couple of years. More recently he has been visiting Whakatane.
In his interactions with humans, Moko has developed a reputation for robust play, frequently swimming away with paddles, flotation devices and water toys.

Click here to read about how best to handle Moko - if encountered.

Click here to read about Moko's afternoon in Pilot Bay.