The "Big Paua" is mostly found in deeper waters, but for the best and largest shells, the Chatham Islands hold that record hands down. However the statue of the "Big Paua" is in Riverton at the base of the South Island.
A large quantity of Paua Shell jewellery is only made in NZ, this is mostly because of the ease of supply. However there are several Asian and Indian importers of Paua Shell (from NZ) that also create a range of Paua related items.
Are you wanting to know if the Paua are on the move or are you wishing to move Paua within NZ. Most Paua Beds have been in much the same places for many centuries.
Mostly because it is indigenous only to NZ, the colours of an opal effect makes it unique, thus giving anyone who wears or uses it a link to NZ.
As early as the late 1700's to the early 1800's the significance of the colours of the Paua Shell made it a highly prised souvenirs for any foreign visitor.
Paua Fritters are a combination of flour, egg and minced Paua.
There are only 3 species that can be directly called Paua. Silver Paua, Virgin Paua and normal Paua (though they can all be split into sub species).
e whai ahau he Paua ' literally means 'I have a Paua!
Your average adult Paua can possible nibble through about 1kg of Paua in a day, of course the larger the Paua the healthier the appetite.
There is plenty of pictures of Paua on the internet, just type "Paua" into Google's images section.
Yes, it is a big seller in NZ.
Paua Scientific name is Haliotis iris, Haliotis australis-
The Paua has existed for several millions of years.