About blue cod
Māori names: rāwaru, pākirikiri
Scientific name: Parapercis colias
Blue cod are:
- bottom-dwelling fish found at depths of up to 150m
- only found in New Zealand waters
- more common around the South Island and the Chatham Islands.
Blue cod can live up to 32 years and grow up to 60cm. Their growth is influenced by several things, including sex, habitat, and local fishing pressure. They can change sex from female to male, and males are generally larger than females.
Fishing rules for blue cod
Fishing rules for blue cod (and other fish species) differ around the country and can change. Check the rules for your area every time before you go fishing.
Find the fishing rules for your area
Blue cod fishing rules changed on 1 July 2020
Recreational blue cod regulations overview (map) [PDF, 1.1 MB]
The 2019 consultation to change blue cod fishing regulations
Report poaching
You can report poaching, suspicious, or illegal activity online:
Report illegal fishing (such as poaching)
You can also:
- freephone 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24), or
- email poacher@mpi.govt.nz
You can help us by providing:
- the location
- vehicle/trailer registration number
- boat name
- description of the person
When reporting any suspected poaching put your personal safety first. All calls and personal details are treated as confidential.
Find out more
National survey of recreational fishers results
Who to contact
If you have questions about blue cod, email info@mpi.govt.nz
