MEDIA RELEASE - NEW ZEALAND AIRPORTS ASSOCIATION
18 MARCH 2011

Air Safety Enhanced with Removal of Protection for Canada Geese

The New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports) today welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Conservation Hon Kate Wilkinson that the Government would act to allow airports and others to cull Canada geese – a significant aviation hazard.

NZ Airports Chief Executive Kevin Ward said, “We had earlier expressed our concern to the Minister that these birds are a special threat to aircraft because of their size and the way they fly in large flocks. Some lasting assurance was required that aviation safety would be balanced against recreational hunting interests, and we think appropriate control can now be achieved.”

Mr Ward added, “Airports have responsibilities to manage wildlife that might be a threat to aircraft. Numbers and locations of geese have been increasing, for example in Canterbury, and protection for hunting purposes often works against aviation safety. We think airports will be safer and there will still be ample opportunities for hunting.

The airports association was bemused by the reported statement of Fish & Game NZ that airport authorities don’t want the responsibility or costs of controlling the birds. “It’s a job that has to be done, and now can be done better. Fish & Game don’t speak for airports on this topic” said Mr Ward.

Mr Ward said the Minister had removed protection from another species of concern to airports, the Spur-wing Plover, in mid 2010 and changing the status of Canada geese meant a real difference is being made to the threat of bird strikes. The change of status will allow control under regional pest management strategies, and permits will no longer be required for control. “There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right move for the safety of the travelling public” said Mr Ward.

ENDS

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