Opo 182 Report post Posted July 15, 2015 PROSECUTING SONNY TAU I am pleased to hear that the Department of Conservation is prosecuting Sonny Tau, big man in Northland’s Nga Puhi, for the possession and indeed, so I understand, for the killing of five native wood pigeon or kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae). A Departmental officer at Invercargill International Airport is said to have found the five dead pigeons in Tau’s possession as he was about to board a flight. To hunt, kill or have in ones possession absolutely protected wildlife such as the pigeon is a serious offence under the Wildlife Act 1953; the penalty is a fine of up to $100,000 or two years imprisonment. I must admit that for a while I was worried that the Department was not going to prosecute. I am afraid that from time to time the Department does show itself to be a little ~ over-delicate? pusillanimous? downright cowardly? ~ in its approach to Treaty issues. An old friend, indeed, was so worried that he laid a complaint himself at his local police station ~ where the girls in blue were not at all helpful, and rather surprisingly seemed to take a very dim view of citizens reporting criminal behaviour, at least where Treaty issues were involved. He thought I should also lay a complaint, and I was resolved to do so after my return from a few days down south. I even thought about urging all of you, gentle readers, to follow suit! But now I am back, there appears to be no need.... Continue reading David Rounds NZCPR guest commentary here > http://www.nzcpr.com/prosecuting-sonny-tau-2/#more-15450 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uriah Heap 481 Report post Posted July 16, 2015 Should be pointed out that plenty of Maori have spoken out against Sonny Tau's actions. aquaman 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
