Kiwi Party Hails Taupo 1080 Decision

The Kiwi Party
Press Release
5 October, 2009

Kiwi Party Leader Larry Baldock has hailed the Taupo District Council's decision to abolish all aerial 1080 operations within its boundaries as a big positive step to New Zealand eliminating a wasteful and ecologically damaging poison regime.

The Taupo District Council recently passed a motion to develop a sustainable alternative possum eradication and trapping program, and to immediately abolish all aerial dropping of 1080 poison.

The Taupo District Council has been courageous in its decision-making said Mr Baldock.

"There is widespread and growing concern about the manner in which the Department of Conservation spread toxins indiscriminately over large areas, often public lands, " said Mr Baldock.

Mr Baldock said the result not only reflected credit on the Taupo District Council but also the anti-1080 lobby which had produced credible, factual arguments. He also praised Waikato brothers Steve and Clyde Graf for the production of their DVD which exposed the dangers and "coverups" of 1080 poisoning.

Currently now two local bodies, Taupo and Westland District Council, have formally opposed aerial 1080 use.

"I hope the stand by these two local governments will prompt others to consider their policies on aerial poisoning programs, and switch to alternative sustainable alternative possum eradication and trapping programs,"he said.

ENDS

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