Foreword from the Minister of Conservation
This Labour-led Government has a very clear set of priorities for nature protection in New Zealand. In line with the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy we are committed to the protection and restoration of a full range of indigenous habitats, ecosystems and species. We have invested very significant extra resources to assist in achieving this, and the results are already evident. In some cases spectacular gains have been made and the fortunes of some key species have been improved. Lessons learned on offshore islands and in special areas on the mainland have given a keener edge to our effectiveness and we are getting smarter with our methods.
But we need to acknowledge that although we are slowing the rate of losses, and in some sites and for some species, have turned it around, we have not yet stopped the overall decline in ecosystems and species. That is why the continued use of 1080 is a critical tool for nature protection.
This publication takes the reader out into the reality of 1080 operations in the field and proves the huge benefits for birds and forests when 1080 is applied. As well as showing the work and the people behind the departmental operations, there are a number of individuals and communities in the rural areas who are providing inspiring examples of effective pest control and proving what can be achieved when we, as New Zealanders, work in together.
They are great stories, told with a lot of heart and conviction about front line workers who are only too familiar with the pests and perils that threaten nature protection.
The current reality is that 1080 is one of the most effective tools we have in a very limited arsenal for both broad scale and intensive pest management. With the current operational procedures and a climate of continual improvement, the benefits of 1080 have proven time and again to far outweigh the risks. So far the results have been well worth it. The rainforest in the central North Island, dotterels on Stewart Island, mistletoe on the West Coast, pohutukawa on Rangitoto Island. These are the beneficiaries of 1080 operations.
I commend this publication to you.
Chris Carter
Minister of Conservation
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