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Story: Recreational sea fishing

Drying sharks

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Drying sharks

Māori were more than recreational fishers – they relied on the sea for much of their protein. Photographed in 1914 at Tokohiwai in Whangārei Harbour, these dogfish (kapetā) are drying on poles. Coastal tribes often traded the dried meat from these small sharks with inland tribes.

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Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau

Reference: A14507

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Recreational sea fishing – A rewarding pastime, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/7803/drying-sharks (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 2 March 2009.