Fisheries Infosite

Hake Challenger (HAK7)
Maori name
Scientific name
Merluccius australis

Physical characteristics

Hake have silver-grey tops with white undersides. Males have a maximum length of 100 cm and females have a maximum length of 120 cm.

Life cycle

Hake has a maximum age of 25 years. Maturity is reached between 6-10 years of age and lengths of 67-75 cm and 75-85 cm for males and females repectively. Spawning takes place from June-September, but varies depending on area.

Habitat

Hake are found throughout New Zealand at depths of 400-1100 cm. They feed on other fish.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance Low
Customary significance Low
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes) 1.52
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025