Parrots’ Eggs At Airport Leads To Court Appearance

31 May 2001

Discovery Of Parrots’ Eggs At Airport Leads To Court Appearance

A New Zealand woman will tomorrow appear in court on three charges relating to an alleged attempt to smuggle endangered birds’ eggs into the country.

The woman was found to be carrying 26 eggs when she was intercepted and searched by Customs and MAF officers at Auckland International Airport on March 15, following her arrival from Bangkok.

She is facing two charges under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and a further charge under the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.

The charges follow investigations by the Wildlife Enforcement Group, which is a joint operation of the New Zealand Customs Service, the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The charge of knowingly attempting to possess unauthorised goods under the Biosecurity Act carries a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.

The charge of knowingly making a false declaration under the Biosecurity Act carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000.

The charge of trading in a threatened species carries a maximum penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $60,000.

The 26 eggs at the centre of the case did not hatch, but an examination by experts has shown them to be parrots’ eggs. All species of parrot are listed as endangered species under the legislation.

The woman is due to appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow (Friday June 1).

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