A woman reported that an off-duty police employee was shooting near the Waiari walking track, which is located next to the Waiari River in Te Puke. When she confronted the police employee, a verbal altercation ensued. She subsequently reported the incident to the Police for investigation. The investigation took several months, and she lodged a complaint with the Authority, expressing concern about the police's willingness to investigate one of their own.
The Authority oversaw the police investigation into this matter. During the investigation, the employee claimed that he did not shoot at pedestrians on the walking track; instead, he stated that he was shooting pûkeko on his property. A flood stop bank, approximately 4 meters in height, separated the property from the Waiari River and walking track.
The Police investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim that the employee shot at or near individuals on the walking track. Shooting pûkeko for crop control is considered a legitimate use of a firearm; therefore, the elements required to establish an offence of careless use of a firearm or discharging a firearm near a public place were not met. We concur with the findings of the Police investigation.
However, the employee was found to have shot game out of season and without a permit. Police have taken confidential employment action against the employee for breaching their code of conduct.
We have assessed that Police had legitimate reasons for the delay in the investigation, and they have apologised to the woman for this. The Authority agrees that Police adequately addressed the concerns raised by the woman regarding the employee.
IPCA: 24-22176