23 Jun 2009

Attacks on hunters appear to be connected - DoC

10:26 am on 23 June 2009

The Department of Conservation says two recent attacks on hunters in Te Urewera appear to be connected.

Last Friday, a farm worker hunting at dusk on Landcorp's Ruapapa Station was ambushed by a man wearing a balaclava who took with his gun and knives.

The Armed Offenders Squad carried out searches on Saturday, but found nothing.

In May, two hunters in Te Urewera National Park were threatened for meat and their guns by seven Mongrel Mob members.

The hunters told police the gang members wanted their guns and some meat as a "tax".

DoC's manager for Gisborne and Opotiki, Andy Bassett, says the incidents seem to be linked.

However, Wairoa Police Senior Sergeant Tony Bates of Wairoa Police says there is nothing to suggest that's the case.