Six carved items made from rhinoceros horns have been seized after they were believed to have been traded across community markets in Auckland.
It is thought to be the first time rhino horn items have been seized domestically in New Zealand.
The six carved items, weighing a total of 1.73 kilograms, were seized as part of a joint operation involving staff from the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Customs Service and New Zealand Police.
The agencies executed search warrants at addresses in the Auckland suburbs of Glenfield and Epsom. The rhino horn seized in the operation had been carved into small bowls, a piece of jewellery and an ornamental item.
"We believe these items - although relatively small - would fetch very high prices on the international black market," DOC's Investigations Team Lead Officer Dylan Swain said. "Their prices would range from $15,000 to several hundred thousand dollars."
Swain said the agencies' staff believe the rhino horn items were being traded at community markets across Auckland but had entered the country years ago, without the relevant permit, making their trade within New Zealand illegal.
Importation of rhino horn without the relevant permit is an offence under the Trade in Endangered Species Act and the maximum penalty for doing so is five years in prison or a fine of up to $100,000.
Two members of the public who reside in Auckland are helping DOC with its enquiries into the trade of the rhino horn items.
Customs Investigations Manager Cam Moore said the results show the excellent working relationship between agency partners to detect and deter the illegal trade of wildlife and raise awareness of its devastating effects.
"Customs is committed to enforcing cross-border wildlife crime and protecting our own flora and fauna from being exploited. This is a great result for all agencies involved."
There are four species of rhino: Indian, Sumatran, black and southern white. Indian, Sumatran and black rhinos are critically endangered, and although the population of black rhinos has gradually increased through protection methods, they still face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.
Anyone with information about rhino horn items being traded at markets in Auckland is encouraged to contact wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz
