Komisi Bloomfield noticed two women having trouble with what she thought was a dog about 10am.
She ran to them and found a dolphin with its fin stuck and looking ''very distressed''.
The three tried together to shift the animal back into the water.
Miss Bloomfield, a Ministry for Children worker, tried to use her hoodie as a sling to hoist the dolphin back into the water.
''Then it kind of went out and came back in with a wave. I think it was a bit exhausted because then it kind of tumbled on to the shore.''
As the other women called for help,
Miss Bloomfield put her arms around the dolphin, lifted it up and waited for a wave.
''I didn't really look at the dolphin properly, so I don't know how big it was, but it was definitely very heavy.''
Being careful not to harm it, she pulled it into the ocean one last time, and the dolphin disappeared under a large wave.
''It blew water out of its blowhole. That's when we knew it was really in the water.''
It was a ''very spiritual experience''.
''I'm very much an ocean person. I come here whenever I can.''
Department of Conservation marine species and threats science adviser Laura Boren said the department encouraged people to call it for assistance for stranded dolphins or whales.
The department did not necessarily encourage trying to rescue the animals, as parts of their bodies could be sensitive.
''Although we understand that Doc isn't always able to get someone out there instantly, or there might be a time delay.''
There were things people could do to help the animals while they waited for assistance.
''Try to make it as comfortable as you can. Get water on it and shade for it if possible.''
Judging by the weight of the animal it would more likely be a common or bottlenose than the smaller Hector's dolphin, she said.
