Hokitika 1080 Protest

The Animal Health Board's 1080 juggernaut ground to a halt in Westland today, as their plan to launch the biggest drop in history met with the stiff opposition of the local anti-1080 lobby. Central Hokitika swarmed at lunctime with over 300 protesters, who marched to the Westland District Council to deliver the results of the door-to-door Westland Anti-1080 petition - actioned by Farmer's Against Ten Eighty (FATE), Hokitika Fluoride Action Group, Kumara Environmental Action (KEA), Friends of Mahinapua Forest, and concerned residents of the Westland District.

The petition asked that their elected representatives at Council "reflect our views" by opposing the use of 1080 poison (sodium fluoroacetate) in Westland, and supporting environmentally responsible ground methods of pest and vector control, including trapping and possum fur and meat recovery.

Kumara Environmental Action member John Acker played the last post as a black mock coffin and wreath of native ferns and carrots was laid at the iconic Hokitika Town Clock to commemorate the lives of all pets and non-target species killed. Brigitte Smith, a protester who lost her dog to 1080 after a Department of Conservation operation in a public recreation area in Westland said it was "an emotional moment."

Kumara 216 polled 212 signatures 98%

Hokitika 1156 polled 1035 signatures 89.5%

Ross 186 polled 177 signatures 95%

Ruatapu 51 polled 44 signatures 86%

Harihari 215 polled 201 signatures 93.5%

Organiser and Kumara Environmental Action spokesman Laurie Collins said "DOC, the Animal Health Board and the Regional Council thought they had a mandate to continue using 1080 poison in Westland. That mandate has just been cancelled."

Farmers Against Ten Eighty (FATE) spokeswoman said "We know that this is the beginning of the end for the use of 1080 in Westland. Now the focus can move to proper disease control and tighter stock movement control, instead of mass 1080 poisoning programs."

"We have demonstrated the numbers. Our hope is that the political lines of communication and cooperation are now open to a way forward from here."said Hokitika Fluoride Action Group spokesperson Jackie Douglas.

ENDS

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