Source: New Zealand Police
A man has been charged after a Police investigation into alleged poaching activity in a rural part of southern Auckland.
Police received information about poaching occurring near Āwhitu in early September.
Sergeant Michael Robinson, from Waiuku Police, says the landowner had heard a firearm being discharged on the property in the early hours.
“He had located persons unknown to him near his property and they left the area after being challenged,” he says.
The investigation led Police to a Hamilton property.
“A search warrant has been executed at the property, and as a result we have recovered several firearms and quantities of ammunition,” he says.
A 28-year-old man has since been charged with a range of offences.
Those charges include unlawful hunting, selling firearms and ammunition to unlicensed persons, perverting the course of justice and failing to provide required firearms registry information to the arms regulator.
He has since appeared in the Hamilton District Court and is expected to reappear next week.
Sergeant Robinson says Police take poaching and firearms offences seriously.
“Unlawful hunting in rural communities poses is not only a criminal offence, but it poses significant risks to public safety, property, livestock and wildlife,” he says.
“There are specific firearms regulations to ensure the safe and lawful possession and transfer of firearms and ammunition. Those found breaching these rules will be held to account.”
Police ask landowners to remain vigilant for unlawful hunting activity and call 111 immediately if poaching is suspected and offenders remain in the area.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/06/man-charged-after-poaching-in-auckland/