Poachers in Central Hawke’s Bay caught with 153 undersized pāua

Fisheries New Zealand said a caller reported suspicious fishing activity on Tuesday. Photo / Ministry for Primary Industries

A call from a member of the public to a poaching hotline has led to the discovery of 153 undersized pāua at a Central Hawke’s Bay beach.

The Fisheries New Zealand district manager in Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Chatham Islands, Mike Sutton, said the caller reported suspicious fishing activity at Mangakuri Beach on Tuesday.

The caller also provided a car registration, which enabled fishery officers to stop the vehicle as it was leaving the beach.

“There were four people in the vehicle, and we found 153 undersize pāua in their possession.”

Sutton said the vehicle did not flee, and the people involved were co-operative.

“We seized their vehicle and fishing equipment, and the four people are likely to be prosecuted. Inquiries are continuing.”

Police supported with enforcement action against suspected poaching.

They said a 29-year-old man was charged with driving with a suspended licence.

The man will appear in the Hastings District Court on April 22.

Sutton said Mangakuri Beach was a common place for shellfish gatherers.

He said the daily limit for pāua was five per person at a minimum size of 125mm.

Sutton said a useful tip for seafood gatherers was to download the NZ Fishing Rules mobile app before heading outdoors.

“It will provide you with the latest fishing rules for the area you are fishing in. This includes closures and gear restrictions.”

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.