Dunne re-elected to parliament

The Hon Peter Dunne was re-elected into parliament on the weekend.
Mr Dunne is the longest, current serving member of parliament, with this term taking him over the 30 year threshold.

UnitedFuture is the only party in government to have the banning of 1080 poison included as one of it's policies.
Congratulations Peter Dunne, and we hope you will choose to continue to advocate for alternatives to the use of aerially spread 1080 poison.

International 1080 poison review the first step

On Friday I attended meetings arranged by United Future, in Turangi and Taupo.

There were 5 of us on the panel, addressing the crowds - Hon Peter Dunne, Doug Stevens, Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper, Alan Simmons, and Myself.

At the Taupo meeting Peter Dunne stated that an international review into the use of 1080 poison in New Zealand would be a likely first step in the process of having the practice banned in New Zealand - when United Future is reelected in November.

This would give the public of New Zealand, for the first time, a fair and balanced, scientific investigation.

You've got my vote, United Future!

The news item,  can be viewed here....International 1080 Poison Review Likely

United Future to push for 1080 poison ban

Steve and I were invited to speak at the UnitedFuture conference on Saturday.

We presented a PowerPoint slideshow and talked about alternatives to 1080, and the new documentary we are currently working on.

 The new doco will demonstrate that there are many highly skilled and experienced people and organisations in New Zealand that can provide effective, and direct alternatives to the current practice of aerially poisoning our forests.

Below is the press release from UnitedFuture.

Media Statement

Saturday, 13 November 2010

Hon Peter Dunne

MP for Ohariu

Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne: UF will push for total ban on 1080 poison

UnitedFuture will push for an immediate ban on 1080 poison when it enters government-forming negotiations after the next election, leader Peter Dunne told the party’s policy conference today.

“In the next Parliament we will seek an immediate ban on the continued use of 1080 in any shape or form.

“We want the millions of dollars currently going on this indiscriminate killer of our wildlife to be diverted to other forms of pest control, and scientific research on better options,” Mr Dunne said.

“One of the biggest threats across New Zealand is animals being killed and the poisoning of waterways by indiscriminate use of 1080 poison.

“New Zealand should listen to the voice of the many communities who actually have to deal with this, and who are increasingly opposed to the impact of 1080.

“We need to have the focus on finding better ways to control pests and move away from this destructive poison,” he said.

Speaking at the conference, which was also addressed by Bryce Johnson, chief executive of Fish and Game, and anti-1080 campaigners and documentary-makers, Clyde and Steven Graf, Mr Dunne said New Zealanders could not take access and enjoyment of the outdoors for granted.

“There are serious and ongoing threats to that access – as we have seen recently with Timberland’s unfortunate stance banning access to Kaingaroa Forest and some top fishing rivers.

“UnitedFuture is fighting that and other threats to our outdoors heritage. We will not let the Kiwi birthright be taken away,” Mr Dunne said.

Ends  

Mark Stewart | Press Secretary | Office of Hon Peter Dunne

DDI +64 4 817 6985 | Mb +64 21 243 6985 |

www.unitedfuture.org.nz

UNITED FUTURE - PRESS RELEASE

Media Statement – For immediate release
Friday 2 October 2008

Dunne applauds Taupo District Council

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne has applauded Taupo District Council’s decision to abolish all aerial 1080 operations within its area of jurisdiction.

A motion was passed:
1. To develop a sustainable alternative possum eradication and trapping program.
2. Abolish all aerial dropping of 1080 poison forthwith.

“Taupo District Council has made a far-sighted and courageous decision,” said Mr Dunne.

“It is particularly pleasing to see a local authority respond to the concerns of its community and take a stand against the cruel and indiscriminate practice of aerially applying 1080 poison.”

“I congratulate not only the councillors for reaching this decision but also the opponents of aerial 1080, particularly Clyde and Steve Graf, and the NZ Wildlands Biodiversity Management Society, who were instrumental in getting this result.”

Taupo joins Westland District Council in opposing aerial 1080 use.

“Taupo and Westland are great success stories, yet the fight against aerial 1080 goes on around the rest of New Zealand.”

“I hope the result in Taupo will prompt other communities to consider their stance on aerial poisoning programs.”

“For too long DoC, the Animal Health Board and regional councils have leaned on aerial 1080 as their primary means of pest control. Finally the tide is turning and those organisations will be forced to consider alternative methods of pest control, a scenario that is long-overdue,” said Mr Dunne.

Ends


Hayden Cox
Ministerial Advisor to Hon Peter Dunne
Minister of Revenue Associate Minister of Health MP for Ohariu UnitedFuture Leader