The Ministry of Fisheries has been accused of being heavy handed after seizing fish being used for fund-raising at a Far North school's calf club day and taking a parent to a police station for questioning.
Waiharara school principal Kathy Cotching has labelled the actions of two MAF officers "bureaucratic
thuggery" for the raid on the school, 40km north of Kaitaia, on Saturday.
The officers confiscated four chilly bins of smoked mullet but overlooked tuatua fritters on sale.
A parent of two of the school's 31 children, Peter Yerkovich who caught the fish and was manning the food stall when officers arrived, was taken to Kaitaia police station for questioning.
Ms Cotching said selling seafood for fundraising was a staple at most Northland community events and a good way to feed locals and raise funds for the decile three school which struggled for funding.
The school banked about $2600 from the event.
Mr Yerkovich said he was disappointed by the actions of MAF, which had soured what was supposed to be a positive event.
He also denied he had acted illegally as he had been issued with a customary permit to catch the 80 mullet.
"I haven't been charged with anything yet, they [the officers] said that decision was up to higher authority."
Mr Yerkovich, a recreational fisherman, said he was just doing his part as a parent to help the school earn some much needed funds.
"Those two [officers] came a long way to catch me selling five packs of smoked mullet. The koha was $6 for a pack of two and the money was going to the school.
Ministry acting compliance manager for Northland Harvey Ferguson said the officers were acting on a complaint.
"It is offence for anyone not licensed to sell fish that has not been obtained from a licensed person."
He also rejected claims the fish were covered by a customary fishing permit, as they could only be issued for hui and tangi and not be used for commercial gain. That applied even if the proceeds were going to a school.
