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Story: Mātaitai – shellfish gathering

Red rock lobster (crayfish)

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Crayfish

This is the most common rock lobster (kōura or crayfish) in New Zealand – the red rock lobster. They were traditionally highly prized. Today, the prestige of a hui (gathering) is often greatly enhanced by the provision of the sought-after kōura.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10051853

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How to cite this page

Mere Whaanga, Mātaitai – shellfish gathering – Kōura and karengo, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8122/crayfish (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Mere Whaanga, published 2 March 2009.