Attacks force hunters to go elsewhere

Hunters are avoiding the Eastern Bay of Plenty after a series of attacks and thefts sent the message they were not welcome.

The latest incident occurred near Murupara last weekend when two groups of hunters were confronted by a man armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.

After the hunters gave police a description, a man with gang links was arrested and appeared in Whakatane District Court accused of possession of a firearm.

In an earlier attack, a 20-year-old farm worker was ambushed and mugged by a man.

The assailant, wearing a balaclava, jumped out from behind a tree, hitting the young man on the head before stealing his knife and gun.

In May, a pair of hunters in the Urewera National Park were confronted by seven Mongrel Mob members armed with knives, who demanded meat and guns.

Whakatane Hunting and Fishing manager Alan Keys said the confrontations appeared to be caused by people who had historic claims to the land.

Deer Stalkers Association president Alex McIver said hunters were being told to hand over their meat "because it doesn't belong to them".

Mr Keys said a number of people told of how their vehicles were burned or equipment stolen.

Mr McIver said association members, who still went into the park, were advised to hunt in pairs and avoid confrontations if approached.

- NZPA