from the Kapiti Independent News site:-

Readers will be aware that KIN has taken a strong line against the continuing use of 1080 poison on our land [as have we — Eds]. However, the story below is important local news, so we publish it to inform Kapiti readers on what is going to be happening in the hills behind Waikanae. Comments are welcome.

Targeting TB spreading possums

By Rob Cross, Kapiti Coast District Council Biodiversity Officer

The main target
Though the aerial 1080 operation planned to cover native bush behind Waikanae will target possums to control the spread of Bovine TB, it will also significantly benefit native flora and fauna.

Large areas will be covered that have never had effective pest animal control before.

These areas have been ravaged by possums, stoats and rats for decades, and have served as pest animal reservoirs feeding pests into areas where pests have been controlled, such as Hemi Matenga Reserve.

Research spells out the benefits

Extensive research has shown that aerial 1080 operations of this type boost native bird populations and biodiversity overall, which is why they are strongly supported by the independent Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Jan Wright.

I urge anyone who has reservations about the strategic use of 1080 to read Jan Wright’s excellent and authoritative 2011 report

There is to be an information session about the 1080 drop at the Reikorangi Hall this evening: Thursday 3 August.  Drop in at any time between 4-7 pm.

The fact sheet for the operation can be found here