Commissioner's Overview
The threat to our biodiversity takes several forms. Historically, land clearance and modification had huge impacts on native species and ecosystems, although those days are largely behind us and around 30 percent of the country is now reserved in the public conservation estate. But every day, imports cross our borders with the potential for biosecurity breaches. And climate change is likely to threaten the survival of some of our plants and animals.
However, the biggest and most immediate risk lies at the feet of just a few introduced species. Possums, rats and stoats in particular continue to devastate our forests and the creatures that live within them. These predators are widespread throughout the country and are the greatest threat to the continued survival of many of our native birds.
We do not have the luxury of time. Only one eighth of the conservation estate has any pest control at all, and without active management many of our iconic species are in danger of extinction.
IN THE NEWS
Read
‘Drop more poison’ to save birds
Forests will become silent expanses, empty of native birds, unless the 1080 poisoning programme is stepped up, the environment watchdog warns.
1080 is best means of saving forests
The controversial poison 1080 should be used more, not less, or our forests will die, says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr JAN WRIGHT.
Parliamentary Report Recommending 1080 Welcomed by Trust
The Pest Control Education Trust (PCET) today welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report on 1080 describing the independent evaluation as “thorough and conclusive” and expressed a hope that people would now accept that biodegradable 1080 is a critical tool in controlling introduced pests in New Zealand.
Animal Health Board welcomes 1080 report
The Animal Health Board (AHB) welcomes the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's report on 1080.
"New Zealandrelies heavily on aerial pest control to manage TB effectively and protect our access to high-value export markets, so we welcome the Commissioner's independent evaluation," said AHB Chief Executive William McCook.
Forest & Bird and Federated Farmers praise report on 1080
Conservation organisation Forest & Bird and Federated Farmers today praised the report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) on the use of 1080. Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate Nicola Vallance said Dr Jan Wright’s well-researched report showed clearly that 1080 was a lifeline for New Zealand’s endangered native birds and forests.
Greens work on alternatives to 1080
The Green Party welcomes the new report on 1080 released today but remains committed to finding alternatives to the poison.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released a favourable report today on the use of 1080 poison as a way of protecting our native plant and wildlife from stoats, rats, and possums.
Labour Supports Findings Of Parliamentary Commissioner For The Environment
Labour has expressed strong support for the recommendations in the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s new report: “Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests”.
Scientists have backed a controversial report that backs the use of 1080 poison to control pests such as stoats and possums.
Watch
Report Vindicates Use of 1080 Poison
Report Puts 1080 into Perspective - Forest and Bird
Listen
Report urges more use of 1080 poison
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has released the findings of an investigation recommending greater use of 1080 to protect forests from possums, rats and stoats.
Morning Report with Simon Mercep & Susie Ferguson
Commissioner backs use of controversial 1080 poison
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has come out in support of the use of 1080. Proponents of the controversial poison say the independent report released by the Commissioner's office will help save New Zealand's declining native wildlife. Dr Jan Wright.
Forest and Bird advocate, MP debate 1080 report
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is calling for greater use of 1080. A report released today by her office argues the advantages of using 1080 easily outweigh any disadvantages. Nic Vallance and Peter Dunne.
Nine-To-Noon with Kathryn Ryan
Commissioner for the Environment calls for greater 1080 use
Professor Charles Eason is professor of Wildlife Management from Lincoln University's Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences - he's researching alternatives to 1080. We also hear from Dr Quinn Whiting-O'Keefe; retired from the University of California.
Checkpoint with Mary Wilson
Possum control now focused on toxins not biocontrols
Research into possum control is now focused almost entirely on poisons and virtually none is being done on shutting down the animals' reproductive system. Interview with Paul Livingstone from AHB
NewstalkZB
Dr Jan Wright and Professor Charles Eason speak to Mike Hosking
Radio Live
Marcus Lush speaks with Jan Wright about how our native fauna can be saved.
Andrew Patterson talks to Ruth Dyson, Labour Party Spokesperson on Conservation.
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS
LATEST
Whanganui National Park Biodiversity Wor Underway
Voxy
DOC, Horizons Regional Council and the Animal Health board are working together to manage possums across more than 15 0...read more
Kereru Count
Kiwi Conservation Club
The KCC Kereru Count kicked off on Sunday. You've got until next Sunday to submit your sightings.
...read moreImprovement in Mohua numbers
Otago Daily Times
Proper Use of 1080 Poses a Low Risk to Human Health
Food Saftey
1080 is a water-soluble, naturally occurring toxin found in some plants that probably evolved to deter browsin...read more
Endangered Species
TVNZ's Breakfast
Around 2,700 species in NZ are classifies as threatened, yet only 12% of our conservation land is under any form of pest control.
...read more1080 Drop in Waipoua Blitzes Rats, Boost Birds
Radio New Zealand
Department of Conservation rangers say it has been a brilliant breeding season for the birds in Waipoua Kauri...read more
Annual Report on the Aerial Use of 1080
read moreEnvironmental Protection Authority
Did you know that aerial application of 1080 accounted f
Water Safe After 1080 Drop
NIWA
NIWA provides some pretty convincing evidence that 1080 isn't poisoning our waterways.
...read more1080 Frequently Asked Questions
Forest and Bird
Tackling Ignorance About 1080
NZ Ecological Society Newsletter
The lead story in the latest NZ Ecological Society Newsletter discusses the need to tackle the ignoran...read more
DOC Scientist on Whiting O'Keefe Paper on 1080 and Birds
...read moreScience Media Centre
Department of Conservation statistician Ian Westbrooke
Observing the Transit of Venus
New Zealand Listener
2011 is the Ineternational Year Of Chemistry
...read moreThe Post-Election Outlook on Our Conservation Lands
Forest & Bird
A great summary by Forrest & Bird Conservation Ad
...read more
New Zealanders Make Mark on Conservation
...read moreMontreal Gazette
DOC Cutbacks ' Will Lead to Extinctions'