NZDA Appalled At Ecological Sabotage Threats
The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association’s (NZDA) National President, Trevor Dyke, is appalled at reported threats to
release possums onto Kapiti Island Wildlife Sanctuary reportedly as a protest against recent thar extermination attempts
in South National Parks and 1080 use by the Department of Conservation. Dyke continued to say that the NZDA would never
condone this type of action. Not only that the Association is annoyed that such action should be threatened to take
place on an Island that hunters actually helped to eradicate possums.
“The NZDA and its member hunters and indeed the vast majority of the public hunting sector at large are responsible
people. While hunters are often aghast at the irrational policies that DoC and some vociferous green groups advocate, we
do believe in taking a responsible attitude in debating issues.”
In fact NZDA pleads with hunters to be responsible in the way they show any displeasure and suggest that they should
arrange to meet with their local member of parliament, (or write), and discuss their concerns in a rational manner.
Quality negotiation, discussion and submissions make for sound decision making. Besides, the Association notes that the
Thar Management Plan is due for review this year (2003); so hunters should be watching for a notification from DoC
calling for submissions and make the most of the opportunity.
Trevor Dyke National President New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Inc