Seeing the teeth on a great white shark are about as rare as seeing hen’s teeth, University of Otago marine scientist Prof Steve Wing says. Photo: Mark EnarsonIn the wake of a Waitati spear fisherman coming face to face with a great white shark at the weekend, a marine scientist is reminding the public there is no need to be concerned about swimming at Otago beaches. That was what Waitati man Tom Brough was doing when a 4-metre great white shark came up behind him, about 50m off Huriawa Peninsula, near Karitane on Sunday. If a great white shark was encountered, he recommended staying calm, maintaining eye contact, and backing away slowly without splashing — they often mistake frantic movement for prey. She said the only time she had come face to face with a great white was while in one if the business’s cages.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC