A man has been charged with poaching after a landowner in rural southern Auckland confronted a person on his property.
The man was arrested in Hamilton after police followed up on information about activity on a property near Āwhitu in September.
Sergeant Michael Robinson said the property owner heard a gun being fired on his land in the early hours of the morning.
“He had located persons unknown to him near his property, and they left the area after being challenged."
The raid in Hamilton seized several guns along with ammunition.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with 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 expected to reappear next week.
“Unlawful hunting in rural communities is not only a criminal offence, but it poses significant risks to public safety, property, livestock and wildlife,” Robinson said.
“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.”
He asked landowners to remain vigilant for poachers and call 111 if the offenders are in the area.
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