Kea killer sentenced to community service

NELSON: A man who shot at protected keas, killing one, has been convicted of the crime.

Nelson man Robert Derek Aberson was sentenced in the Nelson District Court yesterday to 200 hours’ community service after pleading guilty to unlawfully hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife in breach of the Wildlife Act 1953.

Judge David Ruth said the offence was a serious matter and a $15,000 fine was the starting point for a penalty.

However, he took into account Aberson’s limited financial means to pay a fine, and imposed community service.

The punishment was welcomed by the Department of Conservation (Doc).

Harming kea or other protected wildlife was unacceptable, Doc acting Motueka operations manager Kath Inwood said.

‘‘Kea are unique as the world’s only alpine parrot and they have a conservation status of nationally endangered,’’ she said.

‘‘Their numbers today are estimated to be less than 5000 — a fraction of what their numbers once were.

‘‘These intelligent and inquisitive birds need our help to protect their species.’’

Doc prosecuted Aberson after he admitted shooting at kea on his property in August last year.

Aberson told Doc staff he had killed one kea with a .22 air rifle.

He shot at the birds because up to eight of them were causing damage at his property.

‘‘If people are concerned about kea behaviour around their properties they should contact the Department of Conservation or the Kea Conservation Trust,’’ Ms Inwood said.