13 September 2007

Minister condemns protest actions over 1080

Conservation Minister Chris Carter said he was appalled by the actions of 1080 protesters in two separate incidents, one of which appears to be a threat by hunters to let their dogs free in a kiwi sanctuary in Tongariro Forest.

“The kiwi is our national bird and as such has a special place in most New Zealander’s hearts,” Mr Carter said.

“I simply cannot conceive why anyone would threaten such an action let alone carry it out.”

Mr Carter said it appeared 1080 protesters may also have been involved in an incident in Tunnel Gully in Wellington in which a pet dog has died. Wellington Regional Council has notified police after pellets dropped in an aerial operation in Kaitoke Regional Park found their way into public areas of the park.

“I understand there is no way the pellets could have gotten into those areas without some help from a human hand and I’m appalled and saddened that people who opposed 1080 would go to these lengths to make their point,” Mr Carter said.

A sign nailed to a tree in Tongariro Forest reads: “DoC 1080 deer, we will dog your kiwis”. The Department of Conservation had been in discussions with local hunters over whether deer repellent could be used on 1080 pellets but approval of the repellent’s use by the Department has not been approved.

“The majority of hunters are reasonable and responsible people who want to protect the bush and our native wildlife as much as anyone else,” Mr Carter said.

“But the actions of these few people who are opposed to 1080 are totally unacceptable and an affront to all New Zealanders,” Mr Carter said.

A lengthy and thorough investigation by the Environmental Risk Management Authority resulted in the authority approving the use of 1080 against pests such as possums last month. The Department of Conservation had requested the review.

ENDS

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