By JO-MARIE BROWN
Central North Island landowners are making no apology for threatening suspected deer poachers with guns, and say they will continue doing so to protect their property.
A 46-year-old Ruatahuna man faces seven charges, including recklessly discharging a firearm and threatening to kill, after he allegedly fired shots at
a helicopter on Sunday and seized firearms from its four passengers at gunpoint.
But Ruatahuna resident Ivan White, whose father used to farm the area known as Whites Clearing where the incident occurred, said locals were frustrated that poachers continued to shoot deer on their land.
At least two helicopters have been shot at in the area this year and numerous hunters confronted.
Ruatahuna residents, who jointly own farmland south of the Urewera National Park, say poaching has increased since export prices for venison rose in September.
In March, locals strung wire across one end of Whites Clearing to deter poachers from landing in helicopters. The wire has since been removed after police raised concerns it could cause a serious accident.
Detective Sergeant John Wilson said tension over deer poaching had been building for months.
"They're justified in taking action but not to the point where they're stringing up wires or shooting people."
The four Auckland men confronted on Sunday were also likely to face charges of unlawful hunting, he said. They had intended to shoot meat for themselves but landowners did not distinguish between commercial and private poachers.
Another Ruatahuna landowner, who did not wish to be named, said poachers were taking a valuable food resource from residents.
"The nearest supermarket is two hours away. People here still live off the land so it's not about lost income because no one here sells deer, they eat it."
Poachers in helicopters also posed a danger to locals hunting on foot because people could be shot accidentally, she said.
Aubrey Temara, chairman of the Tuhoe Trust Board, which administered land including Whites Clearing, said there was no justification for shooting at helicopters, but people were doing so out of frustration.
He plans to seek a meeting with Ruatahuna residents, police, Department of Conservation staff and other parties over the issue.
