Between that period, he harvested 90.1kg of garfish with an estimated value of almost $800.
MPI lawyer Paddy Wood told the court they were seeking forfeiture of Esela’s vessel, UnPro Fishing, along with a fine in the vicinity of $2000.
Esela’s lawyer, Matthew Creamer, said his client was a hardworking man who had made a mistake.
Creamer said Esela’s guilty pleas came as early as they could following resolutions with MPI, but it was regrettable that Esela would lose his vessel.
“He provides for his family and has been in this country working for a long time now, sir. The likelihood of him being back in court is very slim,” Creamer submitted.
Judge Gus Andree Wiltens acknowledged the sad situation Esela found himself in, being a father who had to provide for seven children.
The judge said Esela had a lack of criminal history and awarded him a 40% discount on his fine.
“What’s happening today is that I’m going to formally enter a conviction which means that your boat, the UnPro fishing vessel, and the dragnet are forfeited, subject to later negotiation between you and the department. And I’m going to fine you a total of $2600.”
UnPro Fishing Ltd also had its fishing permit, which was valid until 2028, suspended in November 2025.
Shannon Pitman is a Whangārei-based reporter for Open Justice covering courts in the Te Tai Tokerau region. She is of Ngāpuhi/ Ngāti Pūkenga descent and has worked in digital media for the past five years. She joined NZME in 2023.