The Department of Conservation (Doc) is appealing for information following the death of eight-year-old Matariki and her one-month-old pup.
Doc Murihiku operations manager John McCarroll said the pair were hit by a car while crossing Kaka Point Rd on Wednesday night.
At the time of the accident, Matariki was likely taking her pup to a new spot to rest and may have been nursing the pup on the road.
They were found, badly injured, by a passing motorist who notified Doc.
The pup has since died and due to her severe injuries, Matariki was euthanised by a vet yesterday.
Mr McCarroll said Matariki was much loved by the local community and the two deaths were a tragic loss for the New Zealand sea lion population.
"Matariki was gifted her name by local whanau. She was a taonga of the sea lion population at Kaka Point.
"Over the years she had developed a habit of giving birth to pups in unique places such as under a crib or in a farmer’s shed."
Te Rūnaka o Awarua kaiwhakahaere Dean Whaanga said rāpoka were a taonga species for Ngāi Tahu and Matariki will be greatly missed.
"Our whanau are saddened by our loss of Matariki and her pup. She had a special place in our hearts."
"We understand accidents happen, but its important people inform Doc if they do hit native wildlife. All New Zealand sea lions are named, tagged and well known within their community."
By talking to the driver, Doc was hoping to understand more about what happened and identify ways of protecting sea lions from similar incident in the future.
"This is a timely reminder; we are sharing our coastal roads with wildlife and vehicles need to slow down.
"It’s important we remember to keep an eye out for other native wildlife on the roads such as korora/little blue penguins and kekeno/New Zealand fur seals which can cross the road at any time."
The New Zealand sea lion is classified as "Nationally Vulnerable". Ninety eight percent of breeding occurs on Campbell and the Auckland Islands, but there are also small populations on the lower South Island and Stewart Island.
Kaka Point is home to six other known breeding sea lions and pups.
"Matariki has previously given birth to two other pups who have since returned to the area. Rāpoka are local personalities within the wider community and this tragic loss will be felt by us all.
"We are hoping Matariki’s first born, Jade will have a pup of her own this year and it will be up to her to carry on Matariki’s whakapapa."
People can report sick, injured or dead wildlife by calling the Doc emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
