This ururoa (great white shark), tempted by the tuna dangling from the rope, is preparing to strike. In Māori society, people who were voracious eaters were said to have the stomach of a shark. However, the shark was also admired for fighting to the end – as the proverb says: ‘Kia mate ururoa, kei mate wheke’ (Die like a shark, not like a limp octopus).
Using this item
NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Malcolm Francis
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment