Doc, police investigating sea lion deaths
In a joint press release yesterday, both organisations said they were assessing evidence and following lines of inquiry.
Doc southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said the response to calls for information had been heartening.
"Thousands of New Zealanders are sharing in our shock and disgust.
"Everyone who sees and shares the news could bring us another step closer to finding who is responsible."
Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh said the incident has upset the community, Doc and police.
"This is a senseless act against a protected species and we're eager to find those responsible and hold them to account."
If anyone had seen or knew anything or could otherwise help, they were asked to call police on 105 quoting event number P063434540, or to visit the Oamaru police station, or call 0800 DOCHOT to speak to Doc. — Allied Media
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Scoop
IHC Welcomes Supreme Court Decision Confirming Unfair Detention For Intellectually Disabled Man
IHC welcomes today's Supreme Court decision that has confirmed the human rights of a man ('J') locked away for half of his life have been breached. J has an intellectual disability and autism, has been detained under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act since 2006. The Court of Appeal acknowledged J's original offending in 2004 as minor, but ruled his ongoing secure detention was justified because multiple experts said he posed a high risk to the public if released. The original charge carried a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a $2000 fine, but due to his intellectual disabilities and autism, he was found unfit to stand trial. IHC joined the case, along with the Human Rights Commission, as intervenor in 2024 to assist the Court in understanding the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says people with intellectual disabilities deserve appropriate support and the rights they are entitled to under the law – in the same manner that all New Zealanders should be treated. 'This man has been treated unfairly under the law for too long,' says Tania. 'This decision will ensure that more balanced considerations occur in future, and people like J will receive more appropriate care and support to be able to work towards release.' The Court's new approach in determining how compulsory orders are considered prioritises the importance of each individual's human rights alongside the seriousness of the offence and the community's ongoing safety. IHC will continue to advocate for changes to the disability framework supporting people like J under this Act. About IHC New Zealand: IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Kebab order ends in costly court appearance
An Australian tourist lost his wallet, then lost the plot, after his Queenstown kebab order was cancelled. Jaye Marcus Towns, 38, ordered a meal at the Queenstown Mall kebab joint about midnight on August 7. When he realised he did not have his wallet on him, the kebab shop worker cancelled the order. A short time later, while the worker was crouching outside the shop on a break, Towns came up and aimed a kick at his head. Although the victim partly blocked the kick with his hand, it connected with his face — fortunately causing no injury. Towns then gave the victim a shove in the chest before leaving the scene. Arrested a short time later, he told police he thought the victim had pinched his wallet and had been "laughing at him". Appearing in the Queenstown District Court this week, Towns admitted a charge of assault with intent to injure. Duty lawyer Bridget Liggins told Judge Catriona Doyle the defendant was on holiday in the resort until his flight out today. He made "no excuses" for his behaviour, Ms Liggins said. The judge told Towns his actions were "inexcusable", and a court appearance was a "terrible end to your holiday". She entered a conviction and ordered him to pay the victim $1000 reparation for emotional harm, and to write a letter of apology. — Allied Media
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Doc, police investigating sea lion deaths
The Department of Conservation (Doc) and police are executing a joint investigation into the shooting of three sea lions near the mouth of the Waitaki River last weekend. In a joint press release yesterday, both organisations said they were assessing evidence and following lines of inquiry. Doc southern South Island operations director Aaron Fleming said the response to calls for information had been heartening. "Thousands of New Zealanders are sharing in our shock and disgust. "Everyone who sees and shares the news could bring us another step closer to finding who is responsible." Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh said the incident has upset the community, Doc and police. "This is a senseless act against a protected species and we're eager to find those responsible and hold them to account." If anyone had seen or knew anything or could otherwise help, they were asked to call police on 105 quoting event number P063434540, or to visit the Oamaru police station, or call 0800 DOCHOT to speak to Doc. — Allied Media
