Nick Smith - MP for Nelson

12 July 2018

Nelson MP Nick Smith has welcomed the guilty verdict today in the Nelson District Court over the poison throwing incident at the Nelson Market last year.

“People are entitled to express their opinions, however, throwing and rubbing poison on another person has been rightly confirmed by the court as offensive behaviour,” he says.

“The Nelson Market is a friendly weekly event for locals and visitors and we need to protect its reputation as a peaceful place where diverse opinions are respected.”

Rose Renton was found guilty of disorderly behaviour for throwing and rubbing poison on Mr Smith on September 2, the day the main poison control operation was done for the Brook-Waimarama Sanctuary. Guy Northover who was also involved in the incident has previously pleaded guilty and apologised.

“I am delighted that the matter is now resolved, that the sanctuary is to be reopened this weekend and that with the pests gone it will be possible to have birds like kiwi and kaka living so close to Nelson.

“I do worry about the number of ugly incidents like this that have occurred over poison use as pest control operations have been stepped up to protect New Zealand’s native wildlife. I have previously faced death threats as Minister and there have been several dangerous incidents and threats against Department of Conservation staff.

“I admire the steps by the new Government to further expand National’s ‘Battle for our Birds’ pest control program. I would encourage new Minister Eugenie Sage to step up the Government’s education and information campaigns so New Zealand can better understand the threat to our native wildlife from introduced pests and how essential poisons are to ensuring that birds like our kiwis survive.”

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