The Green Party would not ban 1080 but would restrict its use to areas away from farms, homes and water supplies, and would use ground control wherever it could be done. If we were part of government, we would also be able to properly trial the approach I have outlined above. We are not willing to see our native forests decimated by possums and stripped of their birds by rats and stoats.
The ACT Party does not support a ban on the use of 1080. It is used too readily. It is used dishonestly. But 1080 is also the best tool we have for certain essential purposes. ACT will require that 1080 be used within the following constraints:
- Reasonable extra expense of ground laying is legitimate for properly cherishing the environment and respecting the diversity of human interests in flora and fauna.
- Bait types, sizes and strengths must be confined to avoid damage to non- target species.
- Repellents for non-target species must be used in baits as soon as they are available with reasonable reliability and cost.
LABOUR PARTY — no answers to questions — supplied the following statement (abridged):
The Labour government supports the decision made by ERMA and is satisfied the further stringent controls placed on 1080 will allow careful management of 1080 operations in the future. This management includes the prevention of any possible adverse effects that 1080 may cause.
NATIONAL PARTY — no answers to questions — response as follows:
The recent killings of kea with 1080 highlights the need for more caution in the use of this poison. National does not believe it is realistic to ban 1080, given the importance of controlling TB and its effectiveness in killing possums. We favor a more restrictive approach, particularly in respect of aerial 1080 use around settlements where land based control would be better. We also support a greater investment in alternative poisons and technologies that are showing promise as an alternative.
PROGRESSIVE COALITION — no answers to questions — response as follows:
The Progressive Party does not regard 1080 as the ideal solution to the need to control introduced fauna in this country. However, the devastating effects of these introduced pests on native flora and fauna and the serious threat posed by bovine tuberculosis they constitute to our agricultural exports, mean that doing nothing is not an option. We therefore support the aerial use of 1080 in those parts of the country which are inaccessible and thereby rule out other means of control. We support continuing research into effective alternatives.
We emphasise that we are not in the business of poisoning our fellow citizens. In endorsing its continued use we rely upon independent and peer reviewed scientific evidence as to its potential monitored and regulated as a precaution, claims made as to its harmfulness are often without foundation in scientific research. We are particularly referring in that regard to the August 2007 Environmental Risk Management Authority finding on Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080) which concluded that 1080 could continue to be used with more stringent monitoring and controls.
Who will you give your vote to at the upcoming general election?
Visit www.stop1080poison.com — this is on their website — please visit them and give your support.
1080 NATIONAL NETWORK SUMMARY
We believe this is a most controversial issue. Aerial 1080 poison is affecting a growing number of New Zealanders, some of whom have had their health and their lives changed irreparably.
From the above replies, several political parties have stated their concern at the blanket application of 1080 poison and its use around residential areas, but of course it is election year. They can say what they like but until now, how many MP's have actually voiced their concern?
How many politicians have asked the relevant questions in the house? How many have persisted after the initial government brush-off? If they do indeed disagree with aerial 1080 application in easily accessible areas or around New Zealand citizens, (as stated above) then why are they not still asking these questions? (Because this is what is happening right now)!
Mass 1080 poison signage in popular tourist areas is now beginning to affect tourism. Hosts are being asked, “Why? Why all this poison?” Our overseas visitors are already showing concern at being dumped on by poison, i.e. West Coast, South Island, and the government’s mass 1080 poisoning campaign also bears the potential to have a huge impact on our export meat industry (as it did to the feral venison meat industry some years ago). With more “accidentally poisoned” farmed stock incidents occurring each year, it will be no surprise to some when overseas consumers refuse to eat NZ produce for fear of 1080 poison residues.
If you are concerned at the continuing widespread poisoning of our once “clean green?” country, now is the time to make your feelings known to your MP's and to all political parties standing at this year’s general election.
With your help, we can make this a BIG election issue!
1080 National Network NZ.
The following is a warning notice supplied by 1080 Action, Upper Hutt:
DANGER!
1080 POISON has recently been aerially applied in the Hutt River Catchments by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE: DO NOT take pets in or near the operational area — death by 1080 poison is horrific! KEEP DOGS AWAY from the Hutt River and surrounding areas particularly after heavy rain.
DO NOT LET YOUR DOG SCAVENGE. if you see your dog / cat consume any part of a suspicious carcass or bait, induce vomiting immediately and take to the nearest veterinary clinic. Speed is essential in order to save your pet.
