'Deep regret' over kereru

Sonny Tau said no charges over regulatory breaches had yet been laid.

Ngapuhi Runanga chairman Sonny Tau has admitted making a regrettable mistake after he was accused of trying to smuggle kereru (native wood pigeon) aboard a domestic flight.

Mr Tau said he was questioned by a Department of Conservation officer about kereru in his possession on Tuesday. He had co-operated with the officer, he said.

Kereru have been protected since 1921.

"I also wish to say this was a mistake, which I deeply regret. The laws around native bird protection are important and to be respected by all, myself included."

It had been reported that Mr Tau was caught with five dead kereru under his jacket as he boarded a flight from Invercargill to Northland.

Mr Tau said no charges over regulatory breaches had yet been laid "therefore it is inappropriate for me to comment further".

Northland Conservation Board chairman Mita Harris said he was disappointed to hear of the allegation.

"He is whanaunga (a relative) ... I am disappointed and he needs to put things right."

Mr Harris said it was important to ensure kereru, also known as kukupa, remained protected.

"The population is not as high as it used to be. There is less forest. They face huge threats there's humans but they are also up against feral cats, pigs - there are a lot of dynamics.

Native wood pigeons have been protected since 1921.

"It'd be quite selfish for the next generation to grow up without them."

DoC could not comment while investigations were under way.

David Rankin, a Ngapuhi descendant of Hone Heke, said he supported Mr Tau.

"Sonny has done nothing wrong according to Ngapuhi tikanga, and article two of the Treaty of Waitangi guarantees Maori the full, exclusive and undisturbed possession of our fauna and flora. Basically, the problem is that the law hasn't caught up with the Treaty," Mr Rankin added.