Media Release

Date: 24 May 2012

Man Sentenced for Night Hunting Near DOC Hut

Dr. Nigel Kim of Tauranga was convicted in the Tauranga District Court today and ordered by a judge to pay a $1000 fine for a hunting offence he committed in the Kai Mamaku Conservation Park.

Kim was convicted under the Conservation Act for breaching the conditions of his hunting permit by hunting at night near a busy hut and camping site.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 20 2011 when Dr. Kim used his crossbow to fire at a possum, with the aid of a torch. This action resulted in a crossbow bolt embedding in a tree trunk near to a tent where members of a Mountain Safety Council youth group were sleeping.

DOC’s Tauranga Area Biodiversity Programme Manager Chris Clark, said, “Shooting in low light conditions close to a hut and tents was highly irresponsible and dangerous.”

Hunting in darkness is totally prohibited on public conservation land because it is a serious risk to people’s safety. “It is particularly reckless when carried out close to camping areas where people are likely to be,” said Mr. Clark.

The crossbow bolt was discovered the next morning and resulted in two separate public complaints being lodged with DOC. “Fortunately no one was harmed as a result of the incident.”

“This case should serve as an example that if hunters don’t adhere to the conditions of their permit and put people at risk, the Department will take action against them.”

DOC acknowledges that most hunters are very responsible and all hunters are encouraged to follow the arms code guidelines and DOC permit conditions when hunting on public conservation land.

Information for safe hunting practice, where to hunt on conservation land and how to obtain a permit can be found on our website - www.doc.govt.nz/hunting

ENDS

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