Three masked teens allegedly confronted Fish & Game rangers at a popular Rotorua stream over seized fishing gear last week.

Eastern Region Fish & Game described the alleged incident as a “concerning and brazen escalation in offending”.

It said the rangers had been doing angler compliance checks at the Waiteti Stream on March 3.

Fish & Game alleged that while dealing with a person fishing without a licence, the rangers were confronted by three young males wearing balaclavas and demanding seized fishing gear be given back.

One of the three allegedly wore a sheath knife.

Fish & Game claimed the men took the fishing gear before leaving in vehicles.

The equipment was found soon after in vehicles stopped by police in Ngongotahā.

Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region chief executive Arash Alaeinia said while the rangers were not injured, the incident was a concerning and brazen escalation.

“The [alleged] actions of these individuals, putting on balaclavas and carrying a knife to pursue and confront rangers simply doing their job, are unacceptable and those responsible will be held to account.”

Eastern Region Fish & Game rangers were carrying out angler compliance checks at the Waiteti Stream when the incident happened. Photo / Eastern Region Fish & Game

Eastern Region Fish & Game said the Waiteti Stream had provided great fishing experiences for anglers over the summer and there had been an increase in kids and families fishing there through the community-organised NGO Fishing Club.

The area was also popular with international visitors and anglers from outside the region.

Alaeinia said the “actions of a few” could ruin the experience for others.

A police spokeswoman said decisions regarding further action in relation to the incident would be made by Fish & Game, with police support when required.

“Police will continue to work alongside Fish & Game, conducting checks in the area to ensure regulations are followed.”

Two youths and an 18-year-old were being dealt with by Fish & Game and police in relation to the incident.