An Australian visitor has been convicted in the Timaru District Court for fishing without a sports fishing licence at the popular Ōhau A Canal in the Mackenzie Basin.
Paul John Southern, 66, of New South Wales, was convicted before Community Magistrate Sally O’Brien after being found guilty via a formal proof hearing of fishing without a valid licence on January 10. The court imposed a $500 fine, along with $300 in contribution towards solicitor costs.
Fish & Game ranger Jase Van Beers encountered Southern while conducting routine compliance checks at the canal.
"The angler admitted immediately that he was fishing without a licence and acknowledged he was aware of the requirement to hold one," Mr Van Beers said.
"He had purchased a day licence several days earlier but chose not to obtain another before fishing again."
Southern reportedly told the ranger he had been warned by locals about licence requirements, but chose not to follow the rules, later acknowledging his mistake. — Allied Media
