Kina is another taonga species for Ngati Porou and it is common to see families diving on the coast in search of the dark green-brown spiny balls below the tidal zone.
Scientific name: Evechinus chloroticus Size: Diameter: 8.5–15.0cm
Inside the hard shell is a star-shaped mass of yellow to orange-coloured delicate, smooth, buttery roe. Male roe is silkier, while female roe is slightly grainier. It is usually slurped up raw, accompanied by smacking of chops licking of lips and making of appreciative happy sounds.