$3.5m To Reduce Repeated 1080 Use
Jenny Marcroft
Spokesperson for Health
20 November 2019
New Zealand First is proud to announce
the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has allocated $3.5 million
to develop innovative predator control approaches which will
reduce the need for repeated 1080 use.
$19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for Predator Free 2050 Limited in February 2019.
$3.5 million of this funding will be used to develop five smart technology prototypes.
New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft said “this initiative will stimulate the development of more effective traps, lures, remote sensing, and surveillance and data management technologies.
“The funding signals a
necessary and significant shift away from the use of 1080 in
New Zealand without compromising our pest control
requirements.
“New Zealand First supports the reduction
of 1080 and champions the development of viable
alternatives.
“Today’s announcement for the funding of five innovative pest control solutions is testament to Kiwi ingenuity which will have a positive impact on reducing predators,” said Ms Marcroft.
Background:
The PGF funding is channelled through
Predator Free 2050 Limited which is a Crown company
established to help deliver the Government’s predator free
mission.
$19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for
Predator Free 2050 Limited in February 2019.
$3.5
million of this funding will be used to develop the
following five products:
1. The Spitfire Trap,
re-engineered by Environment & Conservation Technologies
Limited of Tauranga.
A liquid toxin delivery device
designed for possums and stoats able to be left in the field
for a year.
2. The Hammerforce Trap, developed by
Hammerforce Limited of Auckland.
An air-powered,
multi-species trap which is self-resetting and allows for
multiple kills per gas refill. Assembly is planned for
Whangarei.
3. The AT220 Auto Rebait Reset Trap,
developed by NZ Autotraps Limited of Hamilton.
A rat and
possum trap which mechanically resets 100 times and can be
left unattended for up to 12 months. Assembly is planned for
Whakatane.
4. The Remove and Protect System, developed
by Zero Invasive Predators Limited of Wellington.
A
precision rat and stoat trap, automated lure dispenser,
electronic transmitter and satellite box to remotely monitor
and respond to predator reinvasions in remote areas.
5.
Long-life lures developed by Boffa Miskell, a nationwide
company. Low cost lures made of biodegradable plastic blocks
which can remain attractive to predators for months. They
will be manufactured and distributed from Rotorua and
other
ends