1080 poison is a measure of last resort that should only be dropped from the air in hard-to-get places where it is the only practical way to control pests.
Alternatives can, and should, be used in places that are readily accessible, such as near farms, towns and people's drinking water.
We think looking after our native forests and animals is a very high priority. Pests that threaten biodiversity and damage forest health must be eradicated or controlled.
It is also important to minimise animal suffering from pest control, and to protect the health of farm animals from disease.
We're about to propose a Green New Deal package to train and employ more people to deliver effective pest control alternatives on the ground. For example, trapping possums for fur can both create jobs and improve forest health, and new trap innovations hold great promise. Please webmaster [at] greens [dot] org [dot] nz (subject: Please%20Let%20me%20know%20when%20the%20forests%20Green%20New%20Deal%20is%20available) (email us) to receive a copy when it is announced.
The Greens would spend more on pest control - because alternatives to aerial 1080 usually cost more - and would boost research and development to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of pest control methods.
A recent film has highlighted the downsides of aerial 1080 use, however, the film-makers have acknowledged that they did not try to present a balanced documentary. There is scientific evidence that aerial poison does benefit our forests by reducing the threat of pest animals.
While the Environmental Risk Management Agency's reassessment of 1080 weighed up the available science for and against its use, we consider that the long-term effects of 1080 are still under-researched. Because of this, and the fact that 1080 is a powerful toxin, we maintain a precautionary approach to its use.
So we are committed to promoting practical alternatives to aerial 1080 wherever possible, but particularly close to farms and homes, the areas that cause the most community concern.
The unique natural environment of Aotearoa is precious. We must effectively control the pests that threaten our forests, but 1080 poison should be a measure of last resort.
