The advice comes amid high alert across the Tasman, following four shark attacks across New South Wales in less than 48 hours. New Zealand shark scientist and conservationist Dr Riley 'Shark Man' Elliott has run a long-standing, tag-and-trace programme across the country. Although shark attacks were not as common in New Zealand, compared to the warmer climes of Australia, other environmental factors heightened risk. The conservationist had spotted three Australian-tagged great white sharks during his Fiordland expedition. Elliott said shark attacks were tragic reminders that the ocean wasn't a playground.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 20, 2026 21:24 UTC