Dunne slams Zealandia’s poison plan for Karori lakes

Zealandia’s proposed rotenone poisoning of the upper lake and tributaries of the Karori wildlife sanctuary is quite literally “short-sighted, ideologically driven extremism”, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne said today.

“The fact that Zealandia – with the backing of DoC and Wellington City Council – is poised to flush a waterway system with rotenone within the city boundaries in the name of conservation is almost beyond belief,” said Mr Dunne.

“To poison a lake and all of its tributaries in order to kill some introduced trout, which most people see as a positive recreational resource, just because they are an exotic species is just crazy.”

“The fact is not only will the trout be exterminated but so will everything that lives in those waterways.”

“Why don’t Zealandia and the Wellington City Council develop the lakes for families and kids to go fishing?”

“Why not treat these lakes as a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to fishing and give young people the chance to enjoy a fabulous recreational pastime within the city boundaries?” Mr Dunne asked.

“It is my understanding that DoC is treating this project as an experiment, which if successful may well be replicated in other parts of the country.”

Doug Stevens, UnitedFuture’s spokesman on the environment and outdoor recreation said the council was missing a prime opportunity.

“We often hear complaints that our young people do not get out and experience the opportunities the great outdoors have to offer. Surely this is a golden chance to change this by opening up these lakes as a fishing resource right within the city,” said Mr Stevens.

“All thinking Wellingtonians who wish to enjoy the best of what our city has to offer should object loudly to having public resources such as the water and fish within a rate-payer funded sanctuary poisoned for the sake of an ideologically driven experiment,” said Mr Dunne.

“If this poisoning program goes ahead the new Mayor and her council need to go out there and tell Wellingtonians why their rates are being spent on ruining what could be a fantastic recreational resource for Wellington families.”

“I have written to the Mayor to find out where she stands and am looking forward to her reply,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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