Recorded in trawl surveys in Chathams Island (Ref. 45493) and off the east coast of South Island (Ref. 58461). One of the most common sharks (reaching only about 170 cm TL) in New Zealand inshore waters. In the past, this species was one of the two main shark targets of the Maori; it was caught in large numbers in set nets duing the shark's annual inshore migration and was utilized as food and the liver oil was mixed with red ochre to make the distinctive red paint used by the Maori on their carvinges. A significant proportion of school sharks tagged in New Zealand have crossed the Tasman Sea to Australia. Commercially caught with longlines (Ref. 26346), trawls or set lines (Ref. 9258). Available throughout the year but landings peak during summer months (Ref. 9258). Taken as a non-target species by game fishers. Voucher specimen(s) held at the NMNZ (Ref. 5755). Also Ref. 244, 9987, 13563, 75154.