A message from Keisha Castle-Hughes

I've always been fascinated and amazed by whales. It wasn't until I played Pai in the film Whale Rider that I learnt how sacred whales are.

Many people in the film were real descendants of Paikea, the Whale Rider who, Maoridom believe, came to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands on the back of a whale many centuries ago. I will never forget how touched I was by the tenderness and respect they felt for these majestic animals, which are such an important part of our country's history.

Sadly these beautiful and highly intelligent mammals continue to be inhumanely hunted and killed. Sometimes it can take up to an hour for the whale to die. Whaling is appallingly cruel and needs to be stopped.

The New Zealand Government is meeting with other governments from around the world at the International Whaling Commission meeting in June to discuss the future of the world's whales.

Please join me in letting the New Zealand Government know you oppose whaling and any proposal which might threaten the international commercial whaling ban.

The fate of the world's whales is in our hands. To help all you need to do is:

• Give whales a voice by taking action here. Please add your name to the government call to action.
• Get your friends and family involved. Please download this form and get everyone you know to add their name to it. Click here to download the whaling call to action.

As a thank you on behalf of the whales, the ten people who collect the most signatures will receive a copy of the Whale Rider movie signed by Keisha. We need all the forms by 12 June. Please post them to WSPA, Private Bag 93220, Parnell, Auckland 1151.