A Flaxmere man has been fined $650 plus costs for attempting to take kina from Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Central Hawke's Bay.
In December 2016, Department of Conservation ranger Rod Hansen observed Nicholas Eugene Gullery at Stingray Bay, within the boundary of the 446ha marine reserve, between Blackhead and Aramoana Beach.
The ranger saw Gullery taking marine life, kina, from the marine reserve and placing them in two sacks.
When first approached, Gullery initially denied knowledge of the marine reserve. He said that he had driven to the reserve via Gibraltar Rd and onto the beach at Aramoana.
Hansen pointed out this meant he had driven past seven road signs informing the public about the presence of the Marine Reserve.