Wairarapa police crack down on poachers, multiple arrests made

A number of people are before the courts facing charges relating to illegal poaching activity. Photo / Police.

Waiarapa police have cracked down on hunters illegally shooting deer and other animals from cars and other poaching tactics, with multiple people before the courts.

Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom said that a man was taken into custody this week following a search warrant that uncovered three firearms and cannabis plants.

The 50-year-old is due at Masterton District Court on August 4, charged with unlawful possession of non-prohibited firearms, cultivating cannabis and unlawful hunting.

A second man was also arrested on unrelated charges that included kidnapping and indecent assault. He will face the Huntly District Court on August 15.

Thom said unlawful hunting practices have become a significant issue in recent months, with multiple people already before the courts on similar charges.

Police have seized several firearms. Photo / Police.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in April and charged with unlawful hunting. He is set to reappear in Masterton District Court on July 24.

Next, a 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with unlawful hunting and possessing a firearm without a licence. He is also set to reappear in the Masterton District Court on July 24.

Thom said police seized illegal firearms during both arrests.

“Poaching is a significant issue for our rural communities, and is often under-reported.

“Poaching has real effects on the community, and any offenders will face real-world consequences.”

He said the arrests should act as a reminder to others that people should not be shooting from vehicles or targeting deer on private land.

Masterton Police are taking action against unlawful hunters. Photo / Police.

“People must have a firearms licence and get permission to hunt prior to going out to do so.

“You can expect to face enforcement action if you are found to be breaching these rules.

“To help Police identify and hold poachers accountable, we ask anybody to report suspicious behaviour to us, including suspicious vehicles or people in your local area, as this could be the piece of the puzzle we need in our investigation.”