Fisheries officers back at work after talks on threats

Gisborne fisheries officers were back policing the East Coast yesterday after a meeting with senior Ministry of Fisheries staff aimed at resolving issues over threats of violence from poachers and smugglers.

The threats caused the area north of Tolaga Bay to be classed a "no go" zone.

On Sunday, the National Union of Public Employees called for fisheries officers to stop work on the East Coast until further notice, because of the "extreme" risk of violence from poachers and smugglers cited in an independent report to the ministry.

National compliance manager Steve Stuart met officers in Gisborne and discussed their concerns.

He assured them their health and safety requirements were being met and all issues would be resolved.

The ministry was addressing some communications issues, and it would be business as usual from yesterday.

"The health and safety of staff is our number one priority and we have done a lot up until now to address any concerns."

Gisborne officers were testing stab proof vests, had good communication with police and were "well trained" to handle any difficulties.

They were experienced officers who were able to assess risk. Police radios had been installed and would be in use next week after staff training.

Mr Stuart said he was aware of concerns about organised gangs and the role the drug P played in poaching circles on the East Coast.

"To a large extent we rely on the experience of our officers and managers to make informed judgments and mitigate risks," he said.

The ministry recognised the "elevated element of risk" faced by staff at Gisborne and on the East Coast and had addressed issues raised in the reports.

- NZPA