Government considers ways to fend off poachers

The Government is considering a Ministry of Fisheries report on the possible use of defensive equipment by officers who have to confront violent poachers.

Ministry chief executive Warwick Tuck said yesterday that he had provided written advice to Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope.

He said the assessment was from a fisheries point of view and the next steps were up to the Government.

"The provision of defensive equipment has wider implications than fisheries management and second stage considerations are a matter for the Government, as they have public and whole-of-government implications," he said.

"This matter involves substantive policy and, potentially, legislative issues."

Mr Benson-Pope said he would carefully consider the report.

Consideration would include the possible future use of defensive equipment and a process to examine options to improve the working environment of fishery officers.

The ministry said in December that plans to equip about 100 fisheries officers with batons and pepper spray were being discussed in response to a rise in violent confrontations with poachers.

Some fisheries officers had previously taken industrial action over the weapons issue and agreement negotiations.

National Union of Public Employees spokesman Brent Lincoln said fisheries officers would wait and see what came of the report but were "cautiously optimistic".

"Our union will examine the details of the proposal and then make a formal response next week."

He said any changes should be attached to the Fisheries Amendment Bill No 3 now before Parliament.

- NZPA