Dunne: 1080 is failing our native birds
13 January 2011

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has called for greater investment in alternative pest control methods following further evidence presented by the Environment Commissioner that 1080 is failing to control predatory pests.

 “For over 40 years 1080 has been used in New Zealand yet our native bird populations remain in decline and targeted pests such as possums, rats and stoats are still the major culprits,” said Mr Dunne.

 “We currently spend around $100 million a year on 1080 operations, which is an awful lot of money for something with a dubious record of success. We also have to bear the side-effects of spraying such an unpopular and deadly toxin over large tracts of our conservation estate, water catchments and farmland.”

 “1080 is an extremely cruel and indiscriminate killer, with a high level of secondary poisoning. While it is mammals and therefore pests that are most susceptible to the poison, many native birds are killed by it also.”

 “It is time we changed course.”

 “DoC currently spends less than $2 million a year on researching and developing alternatives. With that level of investment no wonder we are still banging the same old drum we were 40 years ago!”

 “If we are to save our native bird populations we need to substantially increase the amount of funding available to develop anti-1080 alternatives. DoC and other agencies responsible for pest control need to significantly contribute to this out of their existing 1080 budget.”

 “Newly developed self-setting traps for both stoats and possums should be invested in further and 21^st century technologies such as genetic or biological controls must be explored and if possible accelerated.”

 “Local communities also need to be better empowered to contribute to pest control operations.”

 “For example, the possum product industry is already worth $120 million annually to New Zealand. With the right incentives in place it could grow to be worth many times that amount while significantly denting possum numbers. In areas such as Northland, the East Cape and the West Coast, where pest management is a priority and unemployment is high, it seems an absolute no-brainer.”

 “I look forward to the Environment Commissioner’s final report on 1080 in April and will read with interest the alternatives she puts forward,” said Mr Dunne.