Trappers call out 1080 protesters

WAITANGI: A group that traps pests in the Opua State Forest in the Bay of Islands is calling out 1080 protesters for vandalising its traps and signs.

Bay Bush Action Trust has found half a dozen of its stoat traps kicked over and kiwi signs made by Waitangi children defaced with anti1080 graffiti.

Group spokesman Brad Windust said the action made no sense, since 1080 groups were generally in favour of trapping. Signage vandalised in Opua State Forest. PHOTO: RNZ But he said Bay Bush Action had publicly stated that trapping alone could not save big forests and the use of 1080 was essential.

Mr Windust said the vandalism might be a response to that.

He said it was unlikely that it was carried out by someone wanting to discredit the anti1080 lobby, since they had done a good job of that themselves.

Mr Windust said Bay Bush Action decided to speak out about the damage after seeing 1080 protesters promoting their cause at Waitangi.