A joint operation targeting illegal whitebaiting at the mouth of the Waiau River on Tuesday (20 Aug) has come up empty handed.

The operation involved Police, the Department of Conservation, Fisheries of New Zealand, and Te Rūnaka o Ōraka-Aparima.

Western Southland Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said the aim of the operation was to target and apprehend offenders who are partaking in illegal activity, including fishing prior to the fishing season, participating in anti-social behaviours or driving impaired.

He said Police were pleased to report there were no issues and officers did not observe anyone illegally fishing before the beginning of the whitebaiting season.

“We are proud to see our Southern community abiding by the rules and regulations around whitebaiting season and we hope this activity continues.”

Both Police and the Department of Conservation will continue to work together over the whitebaiting season to monitor any unlawful fishing, anti-social behaviour, or impaired driving.

“To avoid any confusion, we encourage all whitebaiters to educate themselves on the rules and regulations to ensure their 2024 whitebaiting season goes swimmingly.”

The whitebaiting fishing season in Southland runs between 1 September and 30 October with fishing only permitted between 5am to 8pm, or 6am to 9pm during New Zealand daylight savings time.

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If you see illegal or suspicious happening this whitebaiting season, please call Police immediately on 111 or 105 after the fact, and anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.