Those breaking the conservation laws that protect natural places and native species may face fines as the Department of Conservation’s new enforcement system rolls out.
DOC can issue infringement notices to people breaking rules on conservation land, in marine reserves and in relation to protected species.
Infringement notices with an associated fine are a new tool under the Conservation (Infringement Systems) Act 2018, along with the existing tools of prosecution and warning letters.
"We have a responsibility to take action and give nature a helping hand to support the health of our natural places and the species that live there," says DOC director-general Lou Sanson.
"The laws in place protect New Zealand’s precious places, flora and fauna – not just to help secure the future of our unique ecosystems, but to ensure New Zealanders now and in the future can enjoy them.
"Previously the law has only allowed DOC to issue a warning or prosecute. Fines send a stronger message than a warning, reinforcing that illegal take, use or damage is unacceptable.
"The enforcement system for managing infringement notices will allow DOC to build up a picture of which rules are being broken where, identify repeat offenders, and focus our time in areas where it’s most needed."
Infringement notices can be issued for a range of offences, including whitebaiting using illegal gear or methods, fishing in marine reserves, taking or causing damage to protected species, taking dogs into national parks or taking plants out of them.
Fines will not be issued on the spot. Warranted Officers will investigate alleged offences and, if an infringement notice is appropriate, issue the notice afterward.
The enforcement system is being piloted in five areas across the country this month and will roll out nationally in October and November. The pilot areas are Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Taupo, Motueka, Mahaanui and Westport.
"A key part of DOC’s work is ensuring people comply with laws and regulations that help protect our special places, and the plants, animals and taonga of New Zealand. Infringement notices will help us do this," says DOC national compliance manager Marta Lang Silveira.
"Infringement notices can deal with many breaches of the rules that are not serious enough for prosecution. Infringements fines range from $200 to $800, depending on the offence. Our approach is to look at the seriousness and circumstances of the offending in a specific case, to guide which enforcement tool is used. Serious offences and repeat offenders still face prosecution.
"DOC will be increasing capacity and capability to respond to illegal activity in our forests, waterways and backcountry over the coming year. DOC has funding to bring in dedicated Compliance Officers, as well as 13 new marine reserve compliance and biodiversity monitoring rangers over the next two years."
Details about infringement notices, including what kinds of fines can be issued, are available on the DOC website. Anyone with questions about the rules on public conservation land, water or in relation to native species should visit the DOC website or contact their local DOC office.
Anyone who encounters someone putting native species or conservation areas at risk or breaking conservation laws should report this to 0800 DOC HOT, DOC’s 24-hour hotline.
