OPINION: Maryann Ewers and Bill Rooke spell out the importance of using 1080.

The debate regarding 1080 use is again hot news and opponents are making headway via the media and some political parties. The general public are being led to believe that this issue is far more divisive than it actually is.

The greater proportion of those against its use comes from a hunting ethos that's embedded in New Zealand's culture. No amount of peer-reviewed scientific evidence or two in-depth reports have changed their opinions.

Founders of Friends of Flora Inc.

Having spent 21 years as owner/operators of a conservation guiding business in Kahurangi National Park (now sold), we have consistently seen the effects before and after a 1080 application, and have no doubts about the value of this method of pest eradication. We have witnessed time and again the return of birdsong within one breeding season after 1080 is used.

Arnold Valley Farmers

Farmers in Arnold Valley since they were married in 1971, Don and Diane Bradley have experienced first-hand the misery of having a TB-infected herd. Since the devastating first TB-positive test, they’ve lost 60 to 70 cows to the disease at an average of $1200 a head. At its worst in 2006 the Bradleys’ farm was placed on “high risk” status, meaning there was a complete restriction on all sales and movement of stock from their farm. 

GP and passionate conservationist 

Daphne arrived in New Zealand with her family in 1965 and simultaneously fell in love with the country and her future husband, Graeme. They shared many treasured conservation experiences here including finding female kakapo on Stewart Island with friends and taking them to grow up on Little Barrier Island.