A sentence of home detention was not appropriate for Paul Faavaoga’s crayfish crimes, a judge has ruled. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHA gang member who distributed nearly $200,000 of stolen crayfish has won an appeal — but will remain behind bars. Paul Faavaoga, 37, did not get the home detention term he sought from the High Court. Because the result did not bring the sentence to less than two years’ imprisonment, a community-based outcome could not be considered. Typically, Faavaoga would receive payment for the stolen crayfish by way of bank transfer.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2026 18:23 UTC