Petition calls to stop use of spray
Residents are concerned about a controversial spray being used by Auckland Council to manage weeds on roads and parks.
Ellerslie resident Julian Bartrom along with Spray Free Streets organised a community meeting on August 17, Weed Management Advisory also attended.
The agenda was to raise awareness on the use of glyphosate by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport for herbicide edging on streets and in council parks.
Bartrom says Auckland central suburbs had enjoyed chemical-free weed control until the introduction of Auckland’s Long Term Plan in 2015.
‘‘Before the super city the legacy Auckland city went almost 20 years with chemical-free weed and vegetation control,’’ Bartrom says.
Spray Free Streets have started a petition calling on Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to stop the use of glyphosate.
‘‘You can sign the petition online but I have been physically collecting signatures with other concerned residents.’’
Professor Bruce Baguley from the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre spoke at the meeting.
He has had an eight-year involvement with the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In 2015 the agency, supported by the World Health Organisation, classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
Brett Butland, Auckland Council biosecurity manager, says council is satisfied that use of the chemical fully complies with regulations.
‘‘Auckland Council is guided by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). On August 11 the New Zealand EPA released the findings of their report Review of the Evidence Relating Glyphosate and Carcinogenicity. The report found that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic and should not be classified as a mutagen or carcinogen.’’
Butland says the council does not use herbicide to control weeds in council-managed playgrounds. He says local boards were also given the option of funding the retention or adoption of more expensive mechanical control edging.
Great Barrier Island, Waiheke, Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipatiki and west Auckland’s Whau Local Board all took up this option.