OVER TO YOU

Challenge needed Far fetched, ludicrous claims by DOC’s CEO Lou Sanson, supported by Game Animal Council (GAC) chairman Don Hammond, that the release of sika deer in North Taranaki was ‘‘a mindless act perpetrated by protesters opposed to the use of 1080 poison’’, need challenging. Where is the proof? Why would anti 1080 people want more deer killed inhumanely by 1080 poison? It is what they are fighting to stop.

Sanson and Hammond have short memories. Just a few years back in the infant formula blackmail threat, PM John Key claimed it was ‘anti-1080’ people. It turned out it was a poison ‘‘industry’’ insider. I don’t recall John Key issuing a public apology or retraction for those wrongful public accusations.

Public servants should not be making allegations against any member of the public or group without proof. If they are making false allegations they should be held to account – legally if necessary.

If Hammond’s Game Animal Council truly represented hunters then they should be rebuking Sanson over his wild, inaccurate statements and allegations, not meekly supporting DOC and its irresponsible use of the ecosystem 1080 poison.

The Game Animal Council has no mandate to speak on behalf of the recreational hunting public. Note on the GAC, recreational interests are heavily outvoted by commercial and bureaucrats. GAC members are political appointments, not elected by the public. This is the year 2017, the whole world is screaming out for environmental protection, yet here in New Zealand we are still using inhumane methods to try and annihilate some species we have decided should not be here, with the full knowledge we are destroying many species that deserve our full protection.

Sanson stated ‘‘This is not about hunting, it’s about sabotaging community conservation projects that are working towards Predator Free 2050.’’ Rich words. So deer are deemed predators and are to be destroyed? Are GAC aware their days are numbered?

Laurie Collins West Coast

Query on Chong logic Murray Chong wants the region’s new economic strategy Tapuae Roa to be known by its English name: ‘‘Make Way Taranaki’’ because more people speak English than Maori. If Winston Peters (Murray’s political leader) followed this ‘‘majority rules logic’’ he would have sided with National because they got more votes than Labour.

Tapuae Roa is rightfully predicated on the importance of tangata whenua (and their connection to the land and the mountain). It’s people first Murray, not NZ First. Murray’s ideas, however, about developing our port infrastructure (to attract more cruise ships) and a marina have merit and should be considered.

In my opinion, the leaders driving Tapuae Roa have the right priorities to grow the province.

Bryan Vickery New Plymouth

Coverage disappoints Congratulations to the organising committee for a wonderful evening at Ha¯ wera’s TSB Hub. It has been thirty years since the LysaghtWatt Trust began supporting and encouraging Taranaki’s writers, which made the event very special.

An inspiring welcome by Ha¯ wera High School’s kapa haka group was acknowledged by appreciative applause. Pam Jones was the awards convenor and did a fabulous job. I am disappointed that the coverage in the Taranaki Daily News of this anniversary was so light and carried errors.

Dante Griffin Stratford

Balfour Declaration celebrations I read there will be celebrations next week at the Royal Albert Hall in London to mark the 100th year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration which ultimately led to the creation of the State of Israel. This declaration was best summed up ‘‘One nation solemnly promised to a second nation the country of a third.’’ The letter from Lord Balfour ( the Foreign Secretary ) to Baron Rothschild the leader of the Zionist movement has stuffed up the Middle East good and proper and over the years we have witnessed the results ( it’s called Karma – action and reaction ?) In my opinion instead of celebrating Britain should either apologise for the Declaration or ( if that’s too difficult ) at least recognise the state of Palestine.

Roger Vernon New Plymouth