The Graf Boys

Helicopters used to save human lives have been hired to spread 1080 poison across a South Island national park in the peak of the tourism season. On the 21st of February, 2017, the Department of Conservation aerially poisoned 38,000 hectares of the Mt Aspiring National Park. Seven helicopters were employed to distribute the toxic cereal pellets, two of them are also used for rescue operations.

Official signage informing tourist and park visitors about the poisoning operation stated "DOC has identified the Makarora and Wilkin Valleys as a priority area for control. Possum and rodent levels have reached thresholds for predator control." However, information provided by the Department of Conservation via the Official Information Act, shows no such thresholds existed. Rat tracking monitoring was zero in many areas and well below aerial poisoning thresholds in all the others, and a response letter from the Department of Conservation states that no possum monitoring was initiated.

The operation was undertaken during the peak of the tourism season, and a video clip documenting the poison drop shows helicopters dropping bait all around campers, and while dozens of tourists were swimming and enjoying their summer break – oblivious to what was going on. “I thought it was a bush fire” says one, and others thought the constant buzzing of choppers was for mining, and another for carrying concrete.

The official toxin flight charts, also released via the OIA, show that poison baits were dropped directly into forest streams that tourists were drinking from. Trampers comment on camera that they had no idea that the bait was in the water.

Poisoned deer were found in open grassy valleys, and a fawn is just one of many non-targeted animals to be lured to the poisonous cereal food. To view the video clip, click on this link … https://youtu.be/-rWpA_nVOwE

ENDS.

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