PRESS RELEASE – 15 April 2010

Farmers Against Ten Eighty "Awesome Results"

These are the interim results of the polling of Westland District residents & ratepayers by Farmers Against Ten Eighty, Hokitika Fluoride Action Group, Kumara Environmental Action, Friends of Mahinapua Forest and concerned citizens.

The results are interim due to the demand from areas other than the firstly intended ones of Kumara and Hokitka. Hokitka polling began just before Easter. Ross and Hari Hari came in by demand just last week with requests also from Whataroa which we haven’t been able to cover just yet.

We want those who are away on holiday to have their say, also unfortunately we are unable to contact approximately 30% of Hokitika’s potential voters as they are absentee owners. Much of the same is an issue for Ross and Hari Hari. The results achieved exceeded all our expectations and those polling have enjoyed listening to all those who wanted to talk about their own concerns and many personal experiences with 1080. I for one really enjoyed meeting Hokitika residents, most unknown to me before this petition. I thank them for their reception of me.

In the short time available we have achieved,

Kumara 211 polled 208 signatures 98%
Hokitika 1081 polled 984 signatures 91%
Ross 172 polled 170 signatures 98.8%
Hari Hari & district 125 polled 116 signatures 93%

This polling of residents and ratepayers shows a very clear majority oppose the continued use of 1080 in this district. Never has the Council been given a clearer mandate than these wishes of their people.

The 1080 poison issue will undoubtedly be a major election issue.
We believe that we have confirmed the strength of the anti 1080 movement in Westland - the people have spoken.

We would like Council to consider these results carefully, and our elected representatives to reflect our views, by opposing the use of 1080 poison in Westland District. Commencing with the Animal Health Boards proposed massive 1080 operation from Hokitika to almost Okarito this winter. South Westland is the least urgent area to concentrate on –while it is criminal not to assist those farmers who remain persistently infected with bovine tuberculosis and those who find themselves with historical TB issues however poisoning the rest of us is totally unacceptable.

All avenues must be investigated with rejuvenated on-farm disease control, and vaccination, being a major part of a series of solutions to the tuberculosis issues, Farmers Against Ten Eighty believe. Farmers Against Ten Eighty firmly believe that there are answers to all the Tb questions without the need for 1080 in the solutions. Working together, we can help to implement them.

The signatories to this petition want our Council to stand firm, representing our case to District, Regional & Central Government, the Animal Health Board and Department of Conservation. Council’s strong representation is therefore essential to its people.

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