A note that instructed a housesitter how to feed the dogs and grow dope indoors has landed a man in hot water with police.
John Turner was trying to be helpful when he left a note for his friend that detailed how to use equipment in his house, including cannabis-making paraphernalia.
The housesitter was charged with cannabis cultivation while the tenant was on a skiing holiday overseas.
Turner, 42, was only implicated on his return thanks to the detailed note that explained, blow-by-blow, how to use the equipment.
"It was a note for caring for the animals and clear instructions for growing cannabis," police prosecutor Grant Gerken told Queenstown District Court when Turner appeared on Monday.
Defence lawyer Michael Newell tried to reduce Turner's $750 fine by saying the equipment had belonged to previous Canadian tenants.
But Newell conceded Turner was aware of the equipment's purpose and was kicking himself for being so stupid, The Southland Times reported.
