$12,000 penalty for pilot

A Whangarei helicopter pilot has been fined $4000 and ordered to pay $4000 reparation to each of two Kerikeri farmers who lost crops when the herbicide he was spraying contaminated a stream used for irrigation.

In the Whangarei District Court this week, Duncan Gourley was convicted on three charges of contravening the regional air quality plan for Northland.

Gourley was found guilty at a hearing in May at which seven charges against the helicopter company he worked for - Skywork Helicopters - were dismissed.

Gourley's offences carried a maximum fine of $200,000. Skywork has said it will pay his fine.

Both parties were prosecuted by the Northland Regional Council.

Farmers Peter Hulmes and Sidney Rosenthal lost crops to contaminated water.

- NZPA