Dunne disappointed with Central North Island 1080 drop

“It is disappointing to learn of an aerial 1080 drop near Lake Otamangakau in the Central North Island just a month out from duck shooting season”, said UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne.

”Lake Otamangakau is world famous for producing trophy trout and is also a popular destination for game bird hunters.”

“It is sad that this operation has been carried out just before the duck shooting season begins next month”, said Mr Dunne.” It is irresponsible and unfair to all the hunters who prize this resource.”

“Duck shooters often rely heavily on dogs to collect their birds and as we know 1080 is particularly lethal to dogs.”

A large section around the northern arms of Lake Otamangakau has been subjected to aerial 1080 which has angered anglers and hunters who travel to the lake for its world famous fishing and game bird shooting. The lake was used as one of the venues when New Zealand hosted the 2008 World Fly Fishing championships

“It seems that the whole 1080 industry, whether it is the Animal Health Board, regional councils or private contractors, feel no responsibility to other New Zealanders who value these areas for the outdoor opportunities they afford,” said Doug Stevens, UnitedFuture spokesperson for the environment and outdoor recreation.

“Many people travel a long way to fish and shoot around this lake and will be horrified to learn that 1080 has been dropped within the watershed”, Mr Stevens added.

UnitedFuture is actively campaigning to stop the use of 1080 in New Zealand.

“We are the only country in the world that permits 1080 to be used in such an indiscriminate way as aerial application,” said Mr Dunne.

“There are far better, more humane and less controversial ways to address the problem of pest control,” says Mr Dunne. “It is time to take our clean green image seriously and develop far more appropriate options.”

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