1 March 2006

Copeland: Reassessment of 1080

This week United Future MP Gordon Copeland put a written question to the Minister for the Environment, Hon. David Benson-Pope, asking, “What is the status of the Environmental Risk Management Authority’s reassessment of 1080 poison?”

“The Government has dragged its heels over what I see as a long overdue reassessment of 1080 poison usage,” says Mr Copeland. “I believe that a wide-ranging review will not only assist those who use and distribute 1080, but will benefit all New Zealanders who have an economic, recreational or environmental affiliation with the outdoors."

The way was cleared for the assessment to proceed in 2004 but the Government was unwilling to move on with the process because of the 2005 elections.

There is now considerably more information available on 1080 than when it was initially registered in 1964. This additional information should be properly evaluated.

Given the strong interest in 1080, particularly its aerial application, the reassessment process provides an important mechanism for public input and scrutiny. It will allow for the collection of both anecdotal and scientific evidence on the environmental and possible health side effects of 1080 use.

Mr Copeland is adamant that, “this must be a fully comprehensive review of how 1080 poison is used in New Zealand. This includes assessment of amounts used, both aerially and through hand-laying; levels of dosage; impact on target species and non-target species; effect on humans; effect on birds; dilution in water; and the breakdown of 1080 in different soils.

Any reassessment of 1080 in New Zealand should also include a study of the effectiveness of recently developed deer repellent and its impact on other animals.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media