27 February 2009

Paua poacher gets community service, fine and forfeits dive gear
 
Brett Mathew Riki, 38, of Rawene was convicted in Kaikohe District Court on Thursday, 19 February 2009, for possessing 41 excess and undersize paua.

On the charge of possessing excess paua, he was convicted and sentenced to 140 hours community service and $150.00 solicitor’s fees, and his dive gear ordered forfeit to the Crown.  On the charge of possessing undersize paua, he was fined $250.00.

The charges related to 11 November 2008 where Mr Riki was inspected by fishery officers on Waimamaku beach in the Hokianga and found to have 41 paua, all of which were undersize.

“The Hokianga is an established paua fishery, but if it continues to come under sustained pressure from local divers taking excess and undersize paua it will not remain sustainable for future generations” said Darren Edwards District Compliance Manager. “It is extremely disappointing to see continued offending in this area”.

The public are reminded that any suspicious activity should be reported to the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476224).

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