Full Breakdown
Helicopter Line Ordered to Forfeit $2 Million in Choppers for Illegal Crayfish Tours
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Helicopter Line (THL) was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court on four Fisheries Act charges after pleading guilty to running illegal heli-crayfish excursions for the luxury Rees Hotel. The court ordered the forfeiture of two Airbus AS350 helicopters, each valued at more than $1 million, to the Crown.
Background & Context
Guests then received an educational talk, photo opportunities, and a dinner featuring the caught crayfish at the Rees Hotel. The experience was advertised at prices starting around $4,650 per party, with a promotional claim that the meal cost $100 per person.
Legal Penalties & Fines
- Two helicopters forfeited (value > $1 million each).
- THL fined $12,000 for taking and selling recreationally caught crayfish.
- The Rees Hotel previously fined $22,000 for its role.
- Diver David Brian Casey fined $3,750.
- Casey was paid $800 per trip for his diving services.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed that a fisheries officer had previously directed THL to cease the operation, noting that a commercial fishing permit is required for any sale of seafood and that using recreationally caught crayfish in a commercial activity breaches the Act. Garreth Jay, Fisheries New Zealand Regional Manager South, said the investigation found that despite formal advice, THL continued the illegal tours, prompting the court’s penalties.
These actions underscore New Zealand’s enforcement of fisheries regulations and signal that commercial use of recreationally caught seafood will be pursued rigorously.