This petition focuses entirely on the use of 1080 poison as a method to control pests in New Zealand forests (focusing on Hunua Ranges).  We firmly believe 1080 is not beneficial to the environment as it holds the capability to harm both domestic animals and the endangered species who are native to New Zealand as well as pests. After conducting detailed research of 1080 we have learned that there are more effective and efficient ways to eliminate pests in New Zealand. New Zealand uses roughly 90% of the world’s supply of Monofluoroacetate (the pesticide found in 1080). Unlike other developed nations New Zealand is the only country which continues to use this detrimental toxin to eliminate pests.

A spokesman from the Wellington Regional Council, Murray Kennedy says the public should not worry about 1080 getting into their drinking water. However the Wanganui Animal Control Products safety data sheet states "Avoid pollution of any water supply with the product [1080]. May be fatal if swallowed. This product is toxic to most wildlife. Birds and mammals feeding on carcasses of contaminated animals may be killed." This contradicts what Kennedy says about 1080.

This is due to these reasons

• There is no antidote for someone who has been poisoned with 1080. It only takes 1/500 of an ounce to kill a 68 kg man. 
  
  
• Aerial dropping of 1080 poison is banned in the United States as it is an "extreme hazard to human health and to the environment." This was announced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
  
  
• After an aerial drop, there is no control over where the poison goes. Minute quantities can be wind-blown or washed downhill. Undergraded 1080 travels down into the soil & water, therefore, it can get into water tanks and water supplies.
  
  
• A possum that has been poisoned can travel 5 kilometers or more before it dies.
  
  
• 1080 poison kills a high number of non-target species, including dogs, cats, deer, pigs, birds, hedgehogs, bees and other insects.
  
  If we were to get 500 signatures to try and get a change to the regulations of 1080 poisoning it would make a positive difference to the New Zealand society because we would have safe uncontaminated drinking water and a community that is safe from this harmful poison.