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Story: Mātaitai – shellfish gathering

Freshwater crayfish

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Freshwater crayfish

The freshwater crayfish is found in streams, lakes and ponds throughout the country. Its dull green changes to bright red when boiled. The saying ‘Ka whero te kōura’ (the crayfish goes red), refers to a person who is quick-tempered and flushes in anger.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10049711

by Stephen Moore

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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/8124/freshwater-crayfish (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Mere Whaanga, published 2 March 2009.