An investigation is underway after meat and liver from a great white shark were seized from a house in Tauranga.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) seized the meat and liver after executing a search warrant on May 21, and a man who lives at the address is now assisting investigators with their enquiries, DoC said on Tuesday.
The execution of the search warrant comes after a shark's head was found on the beach at the base of Mt Maunganui in May.
DoC principal compliance officer Dylan Swain says great white sharks are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and anyone found killing or possessing them can face up to two years in prison or a fine of $250,000.
Swain said anyone who accidentally catches protected species should report it to DoC.
"Fishers are expected to not only know Fisheries regulations for the area they are in, but also to be able to identify the species they catch and whether or not they can be legally taken."
Swain said as the investigation was continuing DoC would not comment further on the incident.
"We would like to thank members of the public who reported this and shared information with us."
