Andrew von Dadelszen Former Regional Councillor

I have to congratulate the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright for her report tabled in Parliament last month, evaluating the use of 1080. This is a very emotional issue, but it is pleasing that a science-based approach was taken, with a sensible outcome.

In her view, 1080 must not be banned.

'Possums, rats and stoats are chewing up our forests to the point that we are only a generation away from seeing regional extinctions of kiwis and other native species where no pest control is carried out.

'While there may be an alternative to 1080 one day, if we want to keep our forests for future generations, we simply cannot afford to stop using 1080. Time is not a luxury we have.”

Those opposing the use of 1080 need to read this report carefully and understand if we are really concerned about our loss of biodiversity, then this science-based approach must be taken. It is easy to be persuaded by highly emotive, radical views that make good headlines. So it is courageous for Dr Wright to present such a definitive report.
In local government, we've put a lot of credence in recent years on community views, but the reality is that while local government politicians should show empathy to these views, they still need to maintain a focus on good science. Idealism will not preserve our planet – in fact, if you want good environmental outcomes then you need to build a strong economy; because it will always take a strong economy to fund our environmental wish lists.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email andrew@vond.co.nz