Complaint laid for activity on Parliament grounds

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard has today laid a formal complaint with Police and the Department of Conservation regarding an action on Parliament grounds on Wednesday 12th September.

“It has been confirmed to me that kererū and weka, amongst other protected native species, were among the dead birds deposited on the steps of Parliament during the course of a protest action. The kereru appears to have been killed by bludgeoning. As a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1953 it is an offence to kill any absolutely or partially protected wildlife. It is also an offence to buy, sell or otherwise dispose of, or have in his or her possession any absolutely protected or partially protected wildlife. Individual persons are liable for an imprisonment term not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both.”

“I am supportive of reasonable protest action at Parliament and believe in the rights of individuals and groups to voice their opinion through protest, but I cannot condone illegal activity committed as part of a protest action on the grounds of Parliament, and therefore a complaint has been laid. I also personally find it regrettable that children were encouraged to be involved in this illegal activity.”

ENDS

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