Doc to issue fines and infringement notices

WELLINGTON: Fines are being introduced for people who break the laws that protect native species and conservation land.

The Department of Conservation can issue warning letters and, in serious cases, prosecute people who flout the rules.

In addition, it now has the option to issue fines with an infringement notice.

Doc directorgeneral Lou Sanson said it had a responsibility to take serious action.

‘‘Previously, the law has only allowed Doc to issue a warning or prosecute.

‘‘Fines send a stronger message than a warning, reinforcing that illegal take, use or damage is unacceptable,’’ he said.

It is part of a new enforcement system that is being rolled out around the country in October and November.

‘‘The enforcement system for managing infringement notices will allow Doc to build up a picture of which rules are being broken where, identify repeat offenders, and focus our time in areas where it’s most needed,’’ Mr Sanson said.

Fines could range from $200 to $800, depending on the offence.

Doc national compliance manager Marta Lang Silveira said repeat offenders would still face legal action.

She said Doc would increase capacity for responding to illegal activity over the coming year.

‘‘Doc has funding to bring in dedicated compliance officers, as well as 13 new marine reserve compliance and biodiversity monitoring rangers over the next two years,’’ she said. — RNZ