Known from mainland New Zealand and the Kermadec Is. (Ref. 8879); Three Kings Islands to Snares Islands (Ref. 89422); Mernoo Bank on the Chatham Rise (Ref. 89422); Chathams Island (Ref. 45493); and off the east coast of South Island (Ref. 58461). Common in coastal waters, particularly shallow bays around New Zealand, with adults to 200 m (Ref. 9258). Tagging has shown that this species, especially mature females may travel extensively along the coast, with some passing through Cook and Foveaux Straits or round the northern and southern tips of the country; males are more sedentary. 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. Commercially caught with trawls, set nets or lines (Ref. 9258). Landed throughout the year but largest catches between October and March (Ref. 9258). Flesh often marketed as lemon fish (Ref. 9258). Voucher specimen held at the NMNZ (Ref. 5755). Also Ref. 244, 9072, 28787.