Man found with over 600 pāua gets prison time
RNZ/Marika Khabazi
A 63-year-old Porirua man found with over 600 pāua has been sent to prison for more than 2 years.
Ruteru Sufia was sentenced in the Porirua District Court today on four charges under the Fisheries Act and one charge under the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations.
The Court also banned him from all forms of fishing for three years.
In 2022, 65 whole and 554 shucked pāua were found in Sufia's freezers by Fishery Officers.
"This was a large amount of pāua, more than 60 times the daily catch limit and more than 30 times the accumulation limit," Fisheries New Zealand Regional Manager, Fisheries Compliance, Phil Tasker said.
He said 45 of the pāua found were undersize and Sufia claimed the pāua in his freezer was for a wedding in Auckland.
It was an explanation the court didn't believe.
While on bail on charges related to those pāua, Sufia was caught with a further 48 pāua, with 29 less than the minimum legal size.
"Sufia intended to sell this seafood, which is also illegal. We have zero tolerance for poachers - they affect the sustainability of our shared fisheries, and they affect people who legitimately trade in seafood," he said.
"When we find evidence of illegal fishing - you can be assured that we will investigate and depending on the circumstances, place the matter before the court," Tasker said.
He said Sufia has a long record of breaking fisheries rules, with more than 35 offences dealt with by MPI over a number of years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Alleged recidivist Auckland house burglar arrested
The man's vehicle was blocked by police vehicles, as he turned into a service station. File picture. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Police say a man alleged to have stolen an estimated $2 million of property from Auckland houses over the past two years has been arrested. Detective Sergeant Amanda Reed said the Glen Innes Tactical Crime Unit had collected evidence and information on the 51-year-old for several months. Just after 6pm Friday, police saw the man's vehicle travelling on Shore Road in Remuera and believed he was on his way to commit another burglary. Police monitored the man's trip from a distance, as he continued towards Waterview. As he turned into a service station, his vehicle was blocked by police vehicles and he was taken into custody without incident. Reed said police found tools thought to be used in his burglaries in his vehicle. "It is alleged that the man has committed in excess of 50 residential burglaries through the North Shore, Remuera and Sunnyhills areas over the last two years." Police continue to investigate and hope some of the stolen property can be returned to its owners, she said. The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday, facing seven burglary charges. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Man arrested after Ōtara street fight death
File photo. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller A 19-year-old man has been arrested, after the death of a man injured in an Ōtara street fight on Friday night. Two men were found with critical injuries, when police were called to Wymondley Road shortly before midnight, after reports of a group of people fighting in the street. The men were taken to hospital and one died shortly after. The other man has since been discharged with hospital and the arrested man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to this victim. Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said further charges were likely, as police uncovered the circumstances of the death. He said a post-mortem examination of the dead man was completed earlier today. The 19-year-old is due to appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow. "Police would like to thank the members of the community who have assisted with this investigation to date." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
One in custody after man critically injured in suspected Lower Hutt shooting
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller A man has been taken into custody, after a shooting in the Lower Hutt suburb of Stokes Valley on Sunday morning. Emergency services were called to Hanson Grove about 9am, following reports of a firearm being discharged. A 39-year-old man was found in critical condition at the scene and was flown to Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit, where he remains. Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said police had executed a series of search warrants nearby and would continue to be visible in the area. Police still sought public assistance and wanted to talk with anyone who had information. Earlier, a dark-coloured vehicle was seen fleeing the area at speed shortly after the incident, but the vehicle had not been located. "We'd like to hear from anybody in or around the Sladden Street area in Naenae, as well as Poole Street in Taita, who may have CCTV or dashcam footage." She said police were working to establish exactly what happened and urged members of the public to come forward. "CCTV will be vital in this investigation," she said. "We are urging anyone who has residential or commercial CCTV, or dashcam footage from the Hanson Grove area or the main arterial routes of Stokes Valley to contact us." Anyone with information is asked to call police on 105 and quote file number 250803/0624. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
