A West Coast couple charged with making possum pies will mount their own legal defence next month.
Peter and Justine Salter, who run the Bushman's Centre tourist complex, south of Ross, appeared in the Greymouth District Court yesterday charged by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) with two counts of preparing possum meat in a way that was not in line with a proper risk management programme.
When asked why Salter had not contacted a lawyer about the charges, he told the court he had a defence lined up, but would like the chance to mediate with the ministry.
An MPI representative said if Salter put it in writing he could put the possibility of mediation to MPI.
