Dear NZ Police,

I am seeking information under the Official Information Act 1982 relating to unlawful hunting incidents and associated firearms license actions in New Zealand.

Specifically, I request the following:

1. The total number of individuals convicted of unlawful hunting offenses in New Zealand over the past five years (or the most recent period for which data is available).

2. The number of individuals identified by Police as having engaged in unlawful hunting during the same period but not convicted (e.g. due to insufficient evidence, diversion, warnings, or other outcomes).

3. Of those individuals who were convicted of unlawful hunting:
- How many had a prior criminal record at the time of conviction?
- How many had no prior criminal record?
- Of those convicted how many received the maximum penalty for unlawful hunting (i.e. two years’ imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine)?

4. Over the same five-year period (or the most recent period for which data is available), how many firearms licenses were suspended or revoked where unlawful hunting was cited as a contributing factor?
- Of those cases, how many involved individuals who were convicted of unlawful hunting?
- How many involved individuals who were not convicted, but were still considered for suspension or revocation based on evidence of unlawful hunting?

If possible, please break the data down by year and region. I am not seeking any identifying information about individuals — only aggregated statistical data.

Please note: This request is made by a New Zealand citizen, in accordance with Section 12 of the Official Information Act 1982.

Yours sincerely,
New Zealand citizen