Media Statement – For immediate release
Friday 2 October 2008

Dunne applauds Taupo District Council

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne has applauded Taupo District Council’s decision to abolish all aerial 1080 operations within its area of jurisdiction.

A motion was passed:
1. To develop a sustainable alternative possum eradication and trapping program.
2. Abolish all aerial dropping of 1080 poison forthwith.

“Taupo District Council has made a far-sighted and courageous decision,” said Mr Dunne.

“It is particularly pleasing to see a local authority respond to the concerns of its community and take a stand against the cruel and indiscriminate practice of aerially applying 1080 poison.”

“I congratulate not only the councillors for reaching this decision but also the opponents of aerial 1080, particularly Clyde and Steve Graf, and the NZ Wildlands Biodiversity Management Society, who were instrumental in getting this result.”

Taupo joins Westland District Council in opposing aerial 1080 use.

“Taupo and Westland are great success stories, yet the fight against aerial 1080 goes on around the rest of New Zealand.”

“I hope the result in Taupo will prompt other communities to consider their stance on aerial poisoning programs.”

“For too long DoC, the Animal Health Board and regional councils have leaned on aerial 1080 as their primary means of pest control. Finally the tide is turning and those organisations will be forced to consider alternative methods of pest control, a scenario that is long-overdue,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

© Scoop Media