Arrest after threatening notes to DOC

A 65-year-old man was due to appear in court today over alleged threatening letters sent to the Department of Conservation.

The man was arrested in New Plymouth on Tuesday and charged with four counts of blackmail following a lengthy police investigation.

Four letters of a threatening nature relating to the use of the 1080 pesticide were received by DOC between September 25 last year and Tuesday, according to a police statement.

The man will appear in the New Plymouth District Court.

The 1080 pesticide has been used regularly in the Egmont National Park to control pests, such as possums, rats and stoats, which are blamed for damaging bird life in New Zealand.

Opponents say the poison has an effect on water and other animals, but the DOC says scientists have refuted the claims.

Central District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Ross McKay said the arrest sent a clear message.

‘‘While we understand the strength of feeling by some in our community about the use of 1080, it is never acceptable for this to be expressed in the form of threats to individuals.

‘‘DOC staff should be able to go about their lawful business without the fear of threats and intimidation.

‘‘We take very seriously any threats of this nature.

‘‘While I am unable to go into details of our investigation at this stage as matters are now before the court, I can say that it has been tenacious and extensive.

‘‘Anyone considering resorting to unlawful means to advance their cause in this way should think very carefully about the consequences of their actions, and know that police will thoroughly investigate.’’

DOC director general Lou Sanson thanked police and the department’s staff who had worked on the investigation.

‘‘It is completely unacceptable for anyone to threaten or intimidate DOC staff,’’ Sanson said.

‘‘This case demonstrates that action will be taken when any criminal offending occurs.’’

Sanson said there had been a significant increase in threats and abuse against DOC staff, both in person and online, which were mainly centred around its aerial use of 1080 for pest control.

‘‘1080 is the best tool for the job in large, rugged or remote areas and if we don’t use it forests will continue to be devastated by pests and we could lose our precious birds such as kiwi, mohua, and kokako.

‘‘Where we are using 1080 to target predators, our native species have started to recover.’’

Sanson said DOC staff needed to be able to get on with their job without fear of being harmed or harassed.

Police are continuing to investigate the illegal release of Sika deer into the Taranaki conservation area.