Restorative Justice for duck shooters

GUILTY: Daniel John Marfell (left) and Thomas Francis Williams, both 19, have pleaded guilty to shooting ducks at out of season. PHOTO/STAFF

Two Wairarapa teenagers who shot and killed ducks out of season have been referred to Restorative Justice.

In Masterton District Court on Monday, Daniel John Marfell and Thomas Francis Williams, both 19, pleaded guilty to a charge of shooting and killing ducks at Mauriceville on March 29.

The duck hunting season in the Wairarapa runs from the beginning of May through until the end of June.

Hunters must have a game hunting licence and appropriate ammunition and gun licence.

Judge Bruce Davidson remanded the pair at large and directed a Restorative Justice meeting be held with Fish & Game New Zealand.

Restorative Justice helps all parties talk about the offence and the issues around it with the help of a facilitator.

Fish and Game is able to put across its issues and have a say in how the harm can be repaired.

The defendants have a chance to accept responsibility for what they have done and can offer to try to put things right.

A report is then written for the court to assist at sentencing.

Marfell and Williams, who have not yet been convicted of the charge, are due back in court on September 15.