1080 protesters won't give up til drops stop

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Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:00a.m.

1080 protester

1080 protester

The last of the big 1080 poison drops on the West Coast have taken place under heavy security.

Although the poisoning programme has effectively ended for the year, protestors are vowing to carry on their fight.

It is a sight that gets many West Coasters frothing at the mouth - but those behind this 1080 poison drop say it is the best option they have

Chris Pullen from the Animal Health Board, which oversees the 1080 drops said: "We're all not so naive to think we're going to take out every single possum, but 1080, which I know is very controversial, is the only one we really have that has not got a detrimental effect on the environment".

In just the last week around 80 tonnes of 1080-laced pellets have been dumped on the West Coast - around half in the hills east of Kumara.

Locals are sick of being dumped on

1080 opponent Laurie Collins said: "If they want to drop it up in the Waitakeres, go for it and let the people up there complain about it, but take it away from here, we don't want it".

The programme is part of the effort to eradicate bovine TB - a massive problem for the Coast.

In recent weeks the fighting has got nasty, with 1080 pellets being dumped on public buildings, a contractor's dog being poisoned and accusations of assault.

Locals are upset that the areas where possums are and 1080 is being dropped is where their drinking water comes from.

Although the operation is winding up, protesters say the fight is far from over

1080 opponent Peter McGill said:"The fact of the matter is they're dropping 1080 in our water supply - that's a pretty serious issue. It's not going to go away and we're going to be here in protest until it's stopped and it's banned".

Mr Collins had a warning for the user groups.
"I think (they) are going to go away thinking thank Christ that's all over. But I have to give them fair warning it's only just started."

Mr Pullen said The Animal Health Board is listening.

"The message that we've got from the community has been loud and clear, and we've got to consult that", he said.

Protesters say they will only stop when the 1080 drops do.

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Comments

11 Aug 2009 10:31a.m.

Charlotte wrote:

I'm reading this interview because I am writing a report on the negative effects of possums in New Zealand, and to be honest, I think that 1080 is the best possible option. There is no way that mechanical methods could eradicate the 70million+ possums that are consuming 20,000 tones of our forests every night(mostly native),that is 7.5million tones a year. It's a solute solution, meaning when it comes in contact with your waterways it is diluted down to near nothing. It is completely biodegradable and DOC are trying their hardest to keep our native forests and animals alive. I would hate to be so selfish as to threaten the lives of endangered species over something that is only causing harm to the pest.

10 Aug 2008 01:19a.m.

dan wrote:

Where there is a will there is a way. Good on ya Chrys

09 Aug 2008 02:30a.m.

Chrys wrote:

There is a marketing answer to the 1080 controversy. You have possum contractors ready, willing and able to set individual traps--it is humane and effective and helps NZ's employment. New Zealand can market its merino possum products and fur throws to the rest of the world. Media can help make a difference by spreading the word. Check out my site www.eco-luxuryfur.com to see how this issue can go from New Zealand's ecological nightmare to its pride.