National News> Media Releases

12 April 2006

JAMES BOND NOT LICENSED TO SHOOT

Darren James Bond faced the consequences of shooting without a licence when the Whangarei District Court fined him a total of $2,210 for hunting without a game bird licence on 13 March.

When Mr. Bond was first approached by a Fish & Game ranger in 2003, he signed a declaration saying he’d bought a hunting licence from Hunting & Fishing in Westgate, Auckland. Fish & Game established that this was not the case, and initiated legal action against him for hunting game birds in an open season without a licence.

Rudi Hoetjes, Fish & Game Manager, Northland, says the level of fine imposed on Bond reflects the time and expense it has taken to get a legal conviction against him as well as his dishonesty at the outset. “The largest fine we’ve seen imposed in the past has been $700.”

As well as signing a false declaration, Mr. Bond failed to appear in court two years ago and further delays made this an expensive conviction to pursue. “Judge Barber recognised this by imposing a fine of $1100, together with legal and court costs as well as $600 and costs again for obstructing a ranger in the execution of his duties,” said Mr. Hoetjes.

At the other end of the country Fish & Game Southland Manager, Maurice Rodway, says the region recently prosecuted two trout anglers for trout fishing without a licence - and who also gave false particulars. Both were fined $1300 each earlier this month.

“These fines are higher that we have seen in the past, we would usually see fines imposed of around $600, “ says Mr. Rodway. He says last year, the region had 22 trout fishing and 16 game bird hunting offences go to court.

Bryce Johnson, Director Fish & Game New Zealand, says: “These fines reflect a growing awareness of the value of New Zealand’s sports fish and game bird resource, Fish & Game’s increasing costs of managing and enhancing this resource, and the effects on the 98% of those who enjoy this resource with respect and honesty. With this year’s gamebird hunting season beginning on 6 May, I encourage all hunters to buy their licence early, familiarise themselves with this year’s regulations, and to enjoy this season while keeping firearms safety and ethical behaviour at the forefront.”

For more information contact:

Rudi Hoetjes, Manager, Fish & Game New Zealand, Northland Region

(09) 438 4135 or 021 856228

Maurice Rodway, Manager, Fish & Game New Zealand, Southland Region

Phone 03 2159117 or 027 2215801