The distinctive polynoid Paralepidonotus ampulliferus is known to be distributed across the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, and is present around much of the Australian coast. It is reported here for New Zealand for the first time, and a description is provided. The scale‐worm has been found subtidally in Whangarei Harbour, and is widespread around the soft‐shores of Waitemata Harbour (Auckland) and nearby Hauraki...