New Zealand Paua ShellWritten by David Finlay
Learn More about Paua Haliotis Shells We have a small group of shells collectively known as paua, unique only to New Zealand. The group comes from worldwide family Haliotidae, which contains nearly 130 species from oceans in both tropical and temperate zones. These shellfish have been used for food since ancient times and have figured largely in diet of coastal Maori. Most countries have their own local names, Abalone (North America), Ormer (Guernsey), Mutton Fish (Australia and early NZ) and Awabi (Japan) being some of best known. Paua is most colourful shell in world, other abalone have some colour, but not brilliance of Paua. There are three types of Paua: Paua - Haliotis Iris The largest, commonest and best known of our species. The shellfish is black and interior of shell has cloudy waves of rainbow colours with blues and green being dominant. The shells were used by Maori to add a gleam of life to eyes in their carved figures. Today we process them into attractive jewellery and gifts. Silver Paua - Haliotis Australis A smaller species readily distinguished by silvery lustre of inside, cross ridging of outside and by yellowish colour of animal when found alive. It lives in same localities as large paua but is not so common. Virgin Paua - Haliotis virginea A much smaller and rarer shell, this paua occurs as two subspecies, one from southern areas and one from north. Both are most attractive and strongly coloured shells. The shellfish is a dirty whitish colour and is not often seen alive. Paua are marine monovalve molluscs that eat seaweed and live clinging to rocks at depths of 1 - 10 metres. They can be found around most of NZ rocky shoreline. However, larger and finer specimens, are found in cold waters around Stewart Island and Southland. This is where we get shells used in making of our jewellery as their colour is more vibrant.
| | Vacations That RockWritten by Andrew Kress
Vacations That Rock Initially, Elizabeth Duss was a little hesitant when her husband, Anthony told her about his special plans for their anniversary. “When my husband said that he was taking me away on a romantic weekend for our anniversary, I was thrilled, until he told me he was planning on taking me to Boise. But it was best anniversary we ever could have had.” Like tens of thousands of people nationally, Anthony had discovered newest thing in getaway weekends—Event Based Travel. “I looked at a lot of stuff, but since it had to fit in a weekend, most of places that really appealed to my wife were either too far or too expensive.” Said Anthony. “But then I found out her favorite band from high school—Journey—was on tour.” “With help of my travel agent, I found out that I could take her to a show only an hour away by plane much cheaper than I could take her to Jamaica. And we had a great time. She got in her Concert babe wear, and just had a blast.” More and more people are finding great values in planning vacations around events like concerts, sports, and comedy. “Comedy is my Favorite” Said Lisa Martin, of Valdosta, Ga., So when I planned my vacation, that was definitely a factor. I was able to go to Tampa, and in one long weekend, I saw Dave Atell, Tommy Blaze, and three other headliners, Which I never could have done month at home.
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