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Three men who threw paua out their car window as they fled from fisheries officers face charges under the Fisheries Act.
The men led fisheries officers on a chase around Hawke's Bay after officers tried to inspect their catch as they left Aropaoanui Beach, 40km north of Napier, on Friday afternoon, The Dominion Post reported.
Fisheries Ministry Napier district compliance manager Ray McKay said the driver ignored the officer's direction to stop and sped off toward Napier.
The trio were seen throwing paua from the four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Fisheries surveillance officer Kelly Pouwhare said the officers followed the vehicle for about 25km before arresting the men for obstruction.
Officers seized the vehicle, dive gear and a small amount of paua.
The officers also found paua in three locations on the roadside, Mr Pouwhare said.
He said fisheries officers also carried out a sting in Wairarapa at the weekend.
"There will be a number of prosecutions coming out of that as well, for excess paua and undersized paua."
- NZPA
