Six Bay people and a Tauranga food business have denied involvement in a black-market shellfish ring centred on Motiti Island.
Anthony Karauria Jackson, Lee Rhona Wells, Hira Cyril Noble, Luana Maree Noble, Pixie Urupikia Wells, Sevyn-Leigh Jackson and D. Lish Ltd denied the charges when their matters were called in Tauranga Registrar's Court yesterday.
Lawyers entered not guilty pleas on the seven's behalf and told the court their clients all elected a judge-alone trial. No trial date has yet been set.
Anthony Jackson and Lee Wells, both from Motiti, have denied illegally selling paua and kina. Hira Noble, Luana Noble, and D. Fish Ltd have pleaded not guilty to illegally receiving and possessing paua and kina with the intention of obtaining a benefit. Sevyn-Leigh Jackson and Pixie Wells also denied illegally possessing minced paua and selling kina roe.
The charges stem from a Ministry of Primary Industries sting called Operation Island. The offences were allegedly committed between October 2014 and last November.
