More 1080 needed to save native birds and plants – Environment Commissioner

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment says DOC should use more 1080 poison in pest control.

The Commissioner, Dr Jan Wright, made the recommendation in a update to her original 2011 report, Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests.

Reviewing the reaction to the original report, Dr Wright found it was well received but she expressed disappointment that her call for greater use of 1080 poison had gone largely unheeded.

“While I am heartened by the public support for a pest-free New Zealand there is no way that it could currently be achieved without 1080.” Dr Wright said in a media statement. “I will continue to recommend its use is increased.”

Media coverage of the Commissioner’s update includes:

Nelson Mail: Use more 1080, DOC urged
New Zealand Herald: Commissioner: We need to use more 1080
MSN News NZ: Hopes DOC will increase 1080 use
TVNZ News: Call for more 1080 ‘absolutely unbelievable’
RadioLIVE: 1080 needed to ensure survival of native species – Environment Commissioner
TVNZ News: Time is running out for native species – Environment Commissioner
3 News: Anti-1080 campaigners outraged
Dominion Post: DOC told to use more 1080 to fight pests
RadioLIVE: 1080 poison push angers opponents
NewsTalkZB: We need to use more 1080, says commissioner
Stuff.co.nz: 1080 ‘ideal method’ of pest control
3 News: DoC criticised for not using more 1080
TVNZ News: 1080 is safe – Environment commissioner