19 June 2018

The jailing of a man over paua poaching offences sends a strong message that the illegal gathering and selling of paua on the black market will not be tolerated, says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Kaitaia man William Rini Wikitera, 42, received a year-long jail term when he was sentenced in the Auckland District Court on two charges under the Fisheries Act.

Wikitera, who has previous convictions for paua poaching, was one of two people before the court for paua-related offences committed between March and August 2015.

The offending was identified as a result of a complex investigation involving MPI fisheries officers and MPI compliance investigators.

The investigation identified approximately $12,000 worth of paua being sold in Northland and Auckland. The paua had been illegally gathered in Northland.

MPI Team Manager Northern Investigations Simon Anderson, says the sentence sends a clear message that taking more than the legal limit of paua as well as dealing with it on the black market is a serious offence.

“A jail term is a very significant penalty. People who are currently involved in this sort of illegal behaviour or are anticipating being involved will be punished accordingly,” says Mr Anderson.

"People should also be aware that this sort of illegal activity is very often witnessed by members of the public who play an invaluable role as our eyes and ears along New Zealand’s extensive coastline.

“We would like to thank again everyone who calls our poacher hotline to report illegal activity.

“Together with MPI, the public helps to protect and maintain the sustainability of the paua fishery for future generations."

If anyone has information about fisheries offending they can report it to MPI using the 08004POACHER number, that’s 0800 476 224.

The case of another man who was charged under the Fisheries Act over related offences is still before the courts.

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