Are there any of these about?

My mate has been looking one for a while, but his search has come up empty.

I haven't seen them for some time, thankfully. I doubt there would be many people in NZ able to give them a "forever" home, bar a few public displays perhaps.

Are there any of these about?

My mate has been looking one for a while, but his search has come up empty.

Does he have an appropriate tank for it?

Building one to grow out bigger fish with plans on upgrading again when required.

He is aware of the size they get.

try Wonderworld in Rotorua think they ship

Thanks, will pass that on.

awesome fish but blody enormous lol. i havent seen them for ages also but if anyone has them id say wonderworld would be your best bet. im remember seeing them around 5 or 6 years back and they were only like $15 i think which now that i think about it is pretty stupid as it could quite possibly become "cute" pets for people unaware of their potential size and behaviour that are just looking for a cheap, cool looking fish :facepalm:

I hope he has the space for the appropriately sized tank then as I have seen one outgrow an 8ft x 2 1/2 ft

Yip, currently building 6x2x2.5 from memory just as a grow out.

they will easily grow past 60 cms with in 3 years easy.

and keep on growing.