By Kajal Nair, RNZ
An illegal firearm seized by Police. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Masterton police have ramped up efforts to tackle unlawful hunting in Wairarapa with multiple arrests and firearm seizures in recent months.
On Wednesday, a 50-year-old man was arrested after police discovered three firearms and cannabis at his Masterton address during a search.
He is due to appear in Masterton District court on 4 August, facing charges for unlawful possession of non-prohibited firearms, cultivating cannabis and unlawful hunting.
Another man, aged 44, was also arrested at the same address on unrelated charges, including kidnapping and indecent assualt.
The arrests came off the back of work done by the Wairarapa Rural team to hold poachers accountable, police said.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom said poaching was a serious and often under-reported issue in rural communities.
"Poaching has real effects on the community and any offenders will face real-world consequences," he said.
Two other men were charged with unlawful hunting earlier this year, with both cases linked to illegal firearms.
Both men are due to appear in Masterton District Court on 24 July.
"This should serve as a reminder that people should not be shooting from vehicles or targeting deer on private land," Thom said.
"People must have a firearms license and get permission to hunt prior to going out to do so.
"You can expect to face enforcement action if you are found to be breaching these rules."
He asked locals to report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to police.
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