Changes to 1080 rules
Rules changes will see a nationally co-ordinated approach to dropping 1080 poison in conservation areas, Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced.
The new regulations, approved under the Resource Management Act, would see a uniform set of rules applied for using the controversial poison.
‘‘Pests like stoats, rats and possums kill 25 million native birds a year, and if we are ser- ious about ensuring the survival of species like kiwi, we need to use effective and efficient poisons like 1080.
‘‘This new approach standardises the rules for using such poisons, rather than the current system of different rules in different regions. This change will reduce costs and delays for operators, ensure consistent conditions throughout the country, reduce mistakes ... and allow for best practice approaches.’’
The amendments would not increase risks, Smith said, but it was expected to save $11 million over the next 20 years, ‘‘enabling more pests to be controlled and more species saved’’.
The change was advocated for by the parliamentary commissioner for the environment, who was concerned about the duplication and inconsistency of the differing regional rules.
When the proposal went out for public consultation, 70 per cent of submissions favoured the change. The new national regulations come into effect on April 1.
Smith made the announcement while visiting Tiritiri Matangi Sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf as part of National’s annual Bluegreens Forum. He acknowledged there was opposition to 1080 and brodifacoum but said their benefits outweighed the risks.
‘‘They are essential tools to saving New Zealand’s natural heritage. Islands like Tiritiri Matangi are only so prolific in birdlife because of the use of these poisons.
‘‘These new regulations will help us create more special sanctuaries for the future and contribute to the Government’s predatorfree goal.’’