Three males were arrested for unlawful hunting at Lake Hāwea Station on Friday (April 4), which “serves as a strong message to hunters”, Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts says.

“It is unacceptable to trespass on private property, [and] the aggravating factor is that poaching involves firearms,” Fi said. 

“Anyone poaching risks a conviction and losing their firearms licence privileges.”

The three men appeared in Queenstown District Count on Monday (April 7) and have been remanded on bail to reappear on May 19.

“Wānaka and Hāwea are small communities," Fi said. 

“Everyone knows everyone; poachers will be caught; and police will hold you to account.”

Also last Friday, police arrested a 37-year-old man for cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis. 

“He appeared in Queenstown District Court on [Monday April 7] and has been remanded to reappear on May 19,” Fi said.

The Impairment Prevention Team (IPT) had a busy weekend with four excess breath alcohol readings, Fi said.

“It is disappointing that people continue to drink alcohol and then choose to drive a vehicle.”

A vehicle crash on the Crown Range Road which occurred during heavy rainfall last week is a “reminder to drivers to drive to the conditions”, Fi said.

“Daylight savings has ended, the temperatures have dropped. Please drive to the conditions.”

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App