Overseas Angler Convicted for Fishing Without Licence in Timaru

An Australian visitor has been convicted in the Timaru District Court for fishing without a sports fishing licence at the popular Ōhau A Canal in the Mackenzie Basin.

Paul John Southern (66), of New South Wales, was convicted before Her Worship Community Magistrate O’Brien after being found guilty via formal proof hearing of fishing without a valid licence on 10 January 2026.

The Court imposed a $500 fine, along with $300 in contribution towards solicitor costs.

Fish & Game Ranger Jase Van Beers encountered Southern while conducting routine compliance checks at the canal.

“The angler admitted immediately that he was fishing without a licence and acknowledged he was aware of the requirement to hold one,” said Ranger Van Beers. “He had purchased a day licence several days earlier but chose not to obtain another before fishing again.”

Southern reportedly told the ranger he had been warned by locals about licence requirements but chose not to follow the rules, later acknowledging his mistake.

In explanation Southern said he thought the licence price was high and that he couldn’t be bothered driving to Twizel to buy another one from the shop.

Fishing for sports fish without a licence is an offence under the Conservation Act 1987, and Fish & Game reminds all anglers that licences are mandatory for freshwater fishing for sports fish in New Zealand.

ENDS

Image: Anglers fishing the Ohau Canal