Media Release

02 December 2002

Stop Shooting Tahr

New Zealand First is calling on the Government to stop the shooting of the Tahr until a thorough investigation has taken place.

“There seem to be so many contradicting opinions on the effect the Tahr has on native species that it is difficult to know who is telling the truth,” said Edwin Perry MP.

“I suggest an inquiry group is put together made up of all concerned parties, such as DOC, Game and Forest Foundation and representatives of the hunting industry.

“The natural culling, due to hunting parties over the years, seems the best idea. Not only is it slowly eradicating the Tahr but it is also bringing a lot of money into the country and allowing native species, including the Mt Cook lily to thrive.

“There must be some way that a percentage of the money made from hunting can be used to help with the preservation of the Mount Cook lily if this is the reason behind the culling?

“Whatever the outcome is, it does not appear that enough research has been done as to what is best for all parties concerned, including the Tahr, of which we have the largest number outside the Himalayans,” said Mr Perry.

ENDS

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