GREAT WHITE SHARKS
Commonly known as the white pointer and great white shark.
Is identified by a white belly and jaw line, grey back and a large, black eye.
Maximum size is estimated to be 7m in length for females and 6m for males.
White sharks have no predators themselves and their diet in
New Zealand waters includes bony fish, small sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, blue penguins, seals and dolphins.
The species is known to actively investigate human behaviour, being bold and inquisitive in their approach to vessels and fishing gear and therefore potentially dangerous.
There have been nine documented non-fatal attacks on humans - six divers, a surfer and two kayakers - in New Zealand since 1990. There were several fatal attacks on swimmers and a free-diver offshore from Taranaki and Dunedin in the 1960s.
Juveniles and adults appear in shallow coastal waters, including large harbours and estuaries. Sub-adults also occur in the open ocean as well as around offshore islands and banks.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH A GREAT WHITE SHARK
Divers: Stay on the bottom of the sea floor, and keep an eye on the shark until it goes away. If you need to come up, try to do so directly under the boat or swim to shore if possible.
Ascending divers look a lot like seals.
Surfers: Try to get out of the water immediately with as little commotion as possible.
Free divers or swimmers: Swim directly at the shark, as this is seen as aggressive behaviour and the shark will probably be scared off.
Boaties: Bring in any burley that might be out and leave the shark with as little to stimulate them as possible. If you are fishing in an inflatable boat it is recommended to cut the burley and minimise any noise or movement.
Department of Conservation
