A Hastings man will appear in court charged with careless use of a firearm after shots were fired in the vicinity of a top dressing plane at the start of duck-shooting season.
A police spokesperson said a 49-year-old Hastings man was charged with careless use of a firearm in relation to the incident on Saturday, May 7, where shots were fired in the vicinity of a top dressing plane at a Tukituki farm.
If convicted, the man could face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine not exceeding $4000 under Section 53 of the Arms Act 1983.
The spokesperson said the man has also been issued a warning for hunting without a licence during open season.
The man is scheduled to appear in Hastings District Court on September 12.
A Civil Aviation Authority spokeswoman said CAA was made aware of the incident at the time.