TAUPO SCREENING IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPCA

The Graf Boys present in association with Taupo SPCA, the hard-hitting documentary Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide New Zealand

As guardians of the forests, we are entrusted with ensuring that:

- our wild animals are managed, and treated, in a way that is humane, and decent.
- we do not harm un-targeted and protected species.

But as a nation, for over 30 years, we have inflicted cruel suffering upon tens of thousands of wild and domestic animals, every year, while "managing" their populations.

As a nation we, with little interest for anything that goes on beyond the forest margin, permit our government agencies to inflict this suffering, on our behalf.

Ignorance is no longer our defence ....

Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide New Zealand presents the truth about the secretive and abhorrent practice of using toxic baits to lethally, and sub-lethally poison animals. Some live, most die.

But the implications go further, reaching far beyond what you thought possible.

Don't miss this important event, and get informed ....

Wednesday the 15th of July, 7.00pm, The Great Lake Centre, Taupo.

TICKETS - $15.00 pp. From Harveys Real Estate, the Great Lake Centre, Fly & Gun Hunting & Fishing, the Taupo SPCA Animal Centre & door sales.
Be in Quick - seats are limited!

ALL PROCEEDS TO THE TAUPO SPCA BUILDING APPEAL

Taupo District Council meeting on 1080

The Taupo District Council meeting on 1080 is to be held on Wednesday 22 July between 11:00am and 1:00pm at the Great Lake Centre.

It is a Council meeting, not a public meeting, but as with all Council meetings the public are able to attend. No recommendations or resolutions will be made at this meeting. It is intended simply to receive information so that at a later date Council can make an informed and balanced decision on the recommendations from the Turangi Community Board with respect to the application of 1080.

Only Councillors will be able to ask questions. No comments or questions will be taken from the floor.

11:00-12:00 Animal Health Board and Department of Conservation representatives make their pro-1080 presentations and answer questions from Councillors.

12:00-1:00 A team representing farmers, the hunting community, scientists, medical practitioners and the concerns of the general public, will make their anti-1080 presentations and answer questions from Councillors.

All interested parties are welcome to attend.

(The Great Lake Centre is shown as number 4 on the map).

"A very impressive piece of work," says consent hearing commissioner.

HOT OFF THE CHRISTCHURCH PRESS
24 June 2009

Officials wanting to drop 1080 poison on a scenic reserve in Marlborough have been shown a hard-hitting documentary detailing its impact.

The documentary, Poisoning Paradise Ecocide in New Zealand, was shown during a resource consent hearing in Blenheim.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) wants to drop the poison on Isolated Hill Scenic Reserve as part of possum-control operations. The area crosses Marlborough and Canterbury and includes Sawcut Gorge, a popular day-walk.

Seven officials from DoC, the Animal Health Board, Landcare Research, the Marlborough District Council and Environment Canterbury watched the documentary. It was submitted in evidence by Marlborough resident Lloyd Hanson, who argued against the air drop.

"I haven't got `Doctor' in front of my name, but I still think I've got relevant points to make,'' he said. "They (DoC) are not acting in the best interests of the environment. They do not give a stuff.''

The documentary shows falcons and other birds dying, freshwater crayfish fighting over submerged 1080 pellets, deer and pigs rotting in creeks, eels eating dead animals in waterways, and dying stock.

DoC has previously criticised the work of film-makers Clyde and Steve Graf, pointing out a lack of scientific background. However, hearing commissioner Murray Hunt congratulated the Grafs, describing the film as "a very impressive piece of work."

DoC's legal representative at the hearing, Rachel Ennor, called it a "powerful'' film.
She initially tried to prevent it being shown at the hearing, but later said she wasn't concerned about it being shown. "I think it's important to assess the information within it to assess that information that relates to the question in front of us today is the key.''

Earlier, Ennor reminded the hearing the Environmental Risk Management Authority had sanctioned the continued use of 1080 in 2007 after an exhaustive inquiry.

Animal Health Board national disease control manager Kevin Crews described the film as thought-provoking. "There are a lot of things there that I have to go away and think about. I've taken note of a lot of references I'd like to go back and have a look at."

He continued, "I've noted things there about some of the hormonal effects. Again, it would be interesting to see the basis for all of that. Not saying that there is anything in it, but one needs to keep an open mind to some things and go and have a look at them.''

Hunt has 15 days to make a decision on the proposed Isolated Hill drop.

Doco viewing Otorohanga Friday 19th June @ 7.30 pm

The documentary is down to its final edits and will be ready for a proper viewing this Friday in Otorohanga.

Please come and support The Graf Boys, Kate Winters and others at the Otorohanga Working Men's Club at 7.30pm. Watch the documentary, discuss the issues and ask lots of questions. Thanks to John Moreland for organising such a great opportunity.

Where: Maniapoto Road (main road), Otorohanga (across the road from Subway at number 146).

$15 entry fee includes supper. Kate's books will also be available for sale.

THE GREAT 1080 DEBATE - TAUPO

Well, what a joke!

The Great 1080 debate, organised by Taupo District Council, for tomorrow night (09/06/09) at The Great Lake Centre in Taupo, has been deferred, and softened, due to the opposition ..... not being prepared! They have had the last 20 years to be prepared, however.
Could it be that they didn't want to face the "Live" questions fired from the other side of the table, by the "credible" scientific, medical and practical experts we had waiting for them???
There is a whisper that the proponents told the Taupo District Council that the ERMA review was held in 2007, so they need not show up.
Below is the press release by the TDC, Following that is the response from Clyde Graf.


MEDIA RELEASE


4 June 2009

POSTPONED 1080 debate GOES straight to council

Tuesday’s 1080 debate has been postponed to a special council meeting sometime next month so all sides of the argument can be heard

The great 1080 debate had been scheduled to happen on Tuesday 9th June at the Great Lake Centre but Taupo District Mayor Rick Cooper says the short notice caused a few problems with availability, “we got feedback from some of the key players that they would be keen to present their views to Council, but the arrangements for 9 June didn’t suit. It is very important that they be able to attend so we decided to postpone it until we can find a time and date that works for everyone.”

“As Council are very keen to consider this issue, we have decided to reconsider the format of the meeting and convene a special Council meeting where the speakers can present their case straight to the Council, this allows questions from Councillors to be put directly to the speakers.”

Mayor Cooper says the Great Lake Centre is still very much an option as it will allow the public to attend in greater numbers if they wish “there is more room at the Great Lake Centre and Council may choose to sit there instead of the chambers.”

He says although this will delay the Council consideration of this a little, it is very important that it be dealt with in an even handed and objective manner “my fellow Councillors and I want to take this extra time to ensure we get the best advice from all sides on this serious issue.”

END


The Great 1080 Debate The Rebuttal 05/06/09

Dear Sir,

As the person responsible for assembling the team opposing the use of 1080 in New Zealand, for The Great 1080 Debate, I by no means direct my comments at the Taupo District Council, or the extensive work it has undertaken to try and arrange this unprecedented, engaging, public hearing.

This letter is in response to the no-show officials that were requested by the Mayor of Taupo to attend The Great Debate to defend their ecocidal practice of dropping enough poison to kill 20 million people per year, every year, into our forests, with little regard for where it terminates, or who or what it affects.

Scientists warn that dropping 1000's of tonnes of 1080 bait (which is also an insecticide) into our forests annually, is endangering some rare insects. In this case, it would seem our "Ecological Protectors" are not only extincting some rare species of invertebrates that they are entrusted to protect, but by refusing to front up to this debate, they share the same anatomy.

The pro 1080 candidates for this debate have suggested that they need more time to arrange their case. It must be remembered that these aerial assault artists have been at this practice for decades - one could be forgiven for thinking that after 30 years of contaminating our country, they would be able to rattle off their justification, verbatim, as is often the case through their media releases.

It is the opposition that should be able to call for extension time, not these heavily funded puppets that are running scared! These bureaucrats should face up to any organised mayoral request, to face the questions that their very existence and advocacy raises.

Taupo District Council contacted me, at short notice - I did not reply with....that can't work for us! At the drop of a hat, our underfunded, patriotic New Zealander's, made themselves available, to defend the nation, with no excuses. We assembled a team that would expose the proponents of aerial 1080 poisoning operations to a multitude of horrors and breaches, let alone ecocide.

It is reported, that in their response, they have proposed the idea that they present their "advocacy observations" (my punctuation) - to the panel - here by dodging the possibility of live retort from those armed with credible scientific expertise, credible medical expertise, credible and extensive ground experience, in a live format - this is nothing less than a reprieve.

After ERMA, the only type of format my team are in support of, is a well structured, well chaired, LIVE debate. Not a hearing where difficult questions projected by our concerned experts can be avoided, as appeared to be the case with the ERMA hearings.

Because the pro 1080 bunch are so bent on getting their facts straight, citing this as the need for more time, lets not stop at a Taupo district - live debate - let's push for national debates, in every town - or better still, an international live debate. After all, we promote our image and products to the world - let's get some uninfluenced scientists, some tourism officials and some of our biggest export partners to all get around the table and have an INTERNATIONAL, LIVE DEBATE ON THE USE OF 1080 IN NEW ZEALAND....because, apparently we have nothing to hide! Yes sir, lets do it!

The word POISON instills unease, fear, contamination, suffering and death. By simply using it we have not only contaminated our environment and wildlife, we have also contaminated our image.

In any case, we chalk this one up as a victory.

DOCUMENTARY NOT FAIR MINDED! minister of conservation.

On the 26th of March, a fellow 1080 battler received a reply to some questions, directed to the Minister of Conservation.

Among other thoughtful responses, the Minister stated that the new documentary "Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide in New Zealand" was biased, and its apparent agenda was to prove that we should ban the use of 1080.

Spot on! This is absolutely and unashamedly correct!

The Minister went on to say that it was not a balanced assessment of benefits and risks of 1080. Also correct.

For over 30 years New Zealand has been dumping 1000's of tonnes of 1080 bait into its environment, annually. Scientific studies have indicated, and demonstrated, concerning consequences for decades. Has there ever been any public mention of these findings??? Not ever!

Native birds have been devastated for years, has there ever been any public mention of such ecocide??? Not ever! (The Kea report was believed to be leaked to media, which was unfortunate for DoC)

For decades live stock has been killed regularly, and hidden with confidentiality agreements, and false invoices....intentional suppression??? Always.

The Government even owns the factory that imports and manufactures the poison. Any public mention??? Not ever!

The Minister of Conservation suggests we are being biased in our presentation of the facts! However, the new documentary is simply delivering the other side of the story, the side that has been suppressed by biased users of 1080, for decades.

Instead of being concerned at what New Zealand's environment is being subjected to, undeniable evidence is dismissed as bias, so therefore, it seems, not worthy of appropriate, urgent action. A very biased approach indeed!

On 5 occasions the Department of Conservation has been requested, politely, desperately, for an interview - to give their side of the story - their response, among others, they are not interested in what a couple of brothers are doing. Fair enough.

There was no room for propaganda on this documentary. We, along with many other New Zealanders, scientists and experts, have found no benefits to the use of 1080 in New Zealand. And as scientists appearing on our doco say - there is not one credible scientific study that shows a benefit to any native species, not one!

But get this straight - 1080 kills, and it kills with great efficiency. So, if that is the benefit...well, I guess the pushers are right, in that one area. It does kill - it kills everything, from Earthworms to Elephants!

DELAY ON "POISONING PARADISE" DOCO RELEASE

We were about to release a full length version of the new doco, and requested a final scrutinisation from some of the scientists involved.
They recommended it be re-edited - to a shorter, more scientifically appropriate, and more compelling length - this went down like a tonne of 1080 on a Kiwi sanctuary...nearly wiped us out!
But fortunately, we have these guys looking out for us, and working with us, because of course, they are right.
So it's back to the editing desk, trawling through the huge amount of evidence, trying to compact what stays in, and identify what's tossed out.

So, there will be a delay of another couple of weeks - but, we believe, it will be worth it.

Back to the battle fields........

Top 10 Myths about 1080 - Part One

• That it is necessary to use 1080 because there are 70 million possums - Where does anyone get this statistic from? It's the same statistic that has been talked about for decades, but when we go into the bush after a 1080 drop, we never find evidence of huge numbers of possums. The statistic is just used to shock people into desperately accepting any means of control.
• That it is cheaper to drop 1080 aerially - This depends on what you're including in your costs, doesn't it? Aerial poisoning requires fewer workers but wouldn't it be preferable to provide work for ground-based pest-controllers, rather than having to pay the dole? Wouldn't it also be good to be able to use the possum as a sustainable resource, rather than letting them all rot out in the wilderness? The accidental poisoning of secondary animals also carries a cost, and there are far greater chances of these accidents happening in aerial drops because no one is burying the carcasses or sweeping the paths clear of baits. Ground-based operations conducted in the past have proven to be economical ways of controlling possums.

We went into battle this week and the crowd came with us

We were down Napier way this week in a place called Te Pohue.

We had a meeting to attend - which was also attended by some of the Animal Health Board leaders from Wellington.

Their objective - to inform the locals of the "benefits" of 1080, and the fight against TB.
Our objective - to inform locals of the truth about the AHB objective.

After all, they plan to drop 1080 over 55,000 hectares of the Te Urewera National Park. Can you believe that? One of our most precious wilderness areas.

We decided to really help get the locals stirred up on this issue - so that's what we did.

There were cheers from the crowd, after we encouraged them to fight this stuff, and never permit these filthy toxins to be dropped into their environment - much to the shock of the six in the opposition team, all armed with briefcases, and 150k salaries.

Anyway, the AHB, and regional council were pushing their usual lines, but were lost on some questions from the floor. This crowd was sharp on their knowledge - and besides, this crowd had the same drop dumped on them 2 ½ years ago so the devastation is still fresh in their minds.

They plan to re-kill 55,000 of Te Urewera forest, in the hope of catching a possum with TB. But how big is the TB problem really?

AHB revealed that it is quite safe to consume meat infected with TB. Even the ERMA decision paper said it’s nearly impossible to catch the disease, even if you ate raw meat infected with TB. In fact, TB-infected stock is currently sold into local supermarkets. The TB issue is a STIGMA thing – it’s not a real threat.

But 1080 is a real threat.

So, which stigma would you rather trade with - a low chance of TB in your meat, or a low chance of the deadly 1080 toxin in your meat and water?

I know which one I'd choose.

The birds are dead in Pirongia

We were filming the last bits for the doco at Pirongia (west Hamilton), yesterday.

Incidently, the DoC has dropped 1080 there three times over the last 10 years. There has been research done on Pirongia poisoning, and it says that each time they have dropped, they have recorded lower bird numbers.

Well, it was the first time I have been in the bush there - and it was revealing. There are birds on the fringes, as is the case in all areas - the birds like the fringes, and there is less poison on the edges.

But head into the bush, and apart from seeing one pigeon, we saw no other birds. We did hear a couple of grey warblers, and one fantail, in the distance. It was a beautiful day, and we were in there for six hours. What a disaster! Their bloody toxins!

The Department of Conservation and Forest and Bird say that there are initial losses of birds after poisoning but the numbers increase rapidly once the predators have been killed off.

But doesn't ten years of poisoning in Pirongia prove them wrong?

View Campbell Live video clip on TV3

Click here on Campbell Live to view Monday's programme about 1080 and the documentary Poisoning Paradise.

What the World Health Organization said about 1080 poison

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a lot of things to say in its Toxicity Report about sodium fluoroacetate (1080) but the bits that stand out for me are the following:

1.4.4 Unintended effects: very toxic to birds, domestic animals and wildlife. High risk of secondary poisoning to carnivorous and omnivorous species from eating poisoned carcasses.

4.1.3 .... Baits should not be used where there is a risk of contaminating food, animal feeding stuffs or drinking or washing water. Exposed baits should be laid in containers clearly marked "Poison". Baits should not be laid unless all access by children and animals other than rats and mice can be prevented. Except in locked unoccupied premises baits should not remain down for more than 24 hours. All exposed baits and their containers should be removed after treatment and burned. Rodent bodies should be searched for and destroyed by burning.

After reading this, it's surprising to read that the Animal Health Board says in a letter to Kaka "we strongly disagree with your claims that our operations will result in the decimation of native birdlife or contamination of the soil, water and air." Even Steve Chadwick said last year that 1080 breaks down in water.

If this is so, why do all the labels and reports about 1080 toxicity say the opposite? Have we become deaf to the truth because 1080 is a lazy and convenient option?

Campbell Live TV3 - Monday, 9th, March 7.00pm.

TV3 - Campbell Live Monday, 9th March
We were interviewed by TV3, Cambell Live Producer - Clayton Anderson, while filming Victor McClean, a ground-based trapper on the Coromandel, yesterday (5th, March)
The item is due for airing this Monday, the 9th of March, TV3, at 7.00pm.

"Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide in New Zealand" is going to be released in 2 versions - a full, comprehensive DVD, and a shorter, viewer friendly version.
The full version is expected to be released on the 20th of March, 2009.

Who else wants to see this newspaper headline about 1080?

In July 2008, after seven out of 29 kea were killed in one area in a 1080 poison operation, our parliamentarians debated the wisdom of using a lethal poison that threatens a wide range of wildlife. Steve Chadwick insisted that DoC constantly reviews their biosecurity and that ERMA had recently conducted a review that concluded 1080 poison is the best pest control method available.

Strange isn't it then that ERMA had made its mind up about the fate of 1080 before independent scientists, conservation, recreation and community groups had been given the opportunity to give their evidence in the review? News media reported the leaked information about their decision weeks before individuals and groups were due to be heard.

There has been a change of government since July 2008, so perhaps it's time for John Key and his team to have another look at the facts. At a time of economic downturn, when the government is focused on a jobs summit, do you reckon it would be wise to focus on pest control options that encourage tourism, provide jobs and promote clean, green exports? We have sent him a copy of our documentary. Now might be a good time for you to email his parliamentary secretary at emma.holmes@parliament.govt.nz asking him for a 1080 ban.

Can't wait to see that newspaper headline!

So what does it feel like to watch your animals die of 1080 poisoning?

Wayne Fairhall of Kaiata never wants to be put through that experience again. The experience of arriving home to find dead deer with blood and foam around their mouths, scattered through his paddocks, and his partner holding a deer as it died, screaming in agony.

KAKA has reports like this one called Rains on Farm and some fascinating correspondence with the Animal Health Board about how 1080 poison drops threaten the livelihoods of a wide range of people who depend on tourism in the Karamea region.

It's ironic that even after a debacle like the one in Kaiata, where it is obvious that 1080 kills any unfortunate animal that accidentally eats it, the AHB refuses to acknowledge that it places birdlife at risk.

Does that make sense to you?

Pure and natural New Zealand - yes, well, maybe not

Dropping poison from the sky is an indiscriminate form of pest control. How is anyone supposed to control where it ends up, and what eats it?

1080 baits regularly fall in rivers and streams and are eaten by animals such as koura (freshwater crayfish) and eels. Animals that have consumed 1080 sometimes die and decompose in the water, or are eaten by other animals.

Contaminated water washes over watercress which grows down the sides of streams. These foods are regularly harvested by Maori, who also use this water for their water supply. And trampers and tourists unwittingly wash and drink from these streams without knowing that one of the most 'banned' poisons in the world is in there.

1080 poison safety instructions state clearly that the poison is lethal and that poisoned animals should be buried or removed so that there is no risk of further contamination or secondary poisoning. Photos of dead animals in waterways prove that no one takes this requirement seriously.

Surely a department that is devoted to conservation should be focused on preserving the wellbeing of our wildlife, our waterways, and our wilderness areas. Not on poisoning it.

Spread the word - any way you can

From Created images

It's easy to get frustrated in this campaign. We've been fighting against 1080 for a long time, but we are making progress, and we appreciate all that you do in your work to get 1080 banned in New Zealand. For those of you who are new and want ideas on how to help

• write a letter to the editor
• add your comments on online forums
• sign petitions
• stage protests
• wear an anti-1080 t-shirt
• write to John Key
• talk to friends about it
• turn up to public meetings
• join support networks
• pay for an advert where everyone will see it ...

If everyone uses their skills and does their part, no matter how small, we will win this battle against 1080.

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." Edmund Burke

A tribute to animals killed by 1080

If you have photos of animal victims of 1080 that you would like to include on our slideshow, please email them to thegrafboys@xtra.co.nz

Poisoning Paradise documentary screens 6 Feb 2009

From Poisoning Paradise

To think it all comes from a dilapidated house in Alabama.

85% of the world's production ends up here in New Zealand.

It gets scattered over our beautiful national parks in the form of carrot and cereal baits. It's meant for the possums, but it's irresistible to everything that moves, from insects, dogs and goats, to deer, horses and sheep. Worst of all, native birds are dying for a taste too - kea, weka, kiwi, robins, fantails - and the substance that is supposed to improve their habitat, is actually killing them.

Know what we're talking about yet?

Three hundred and fifty people came to Hokitika from all over New Zealand to watch our preview screening of Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide in New Zealand, a new documentary about the use of 1080 in New Zealand. Most of the viewers already knew that animals die slow, painful deaths from eating 1080 dropped from the sky. But people were surprised to see

- how many animals are dying (It is calculated 100's of dogs, and over 10,000 deer - annually)
- that endangered animals are dying (1000's of native species, annually)
- that pets and domesticated animals are regular victims
- that the operators, and authorities, cover it up

It's gut-wrenching to hear farmers describing their animals as they die excruciating deaths. But when the same people say that the authorities will pay compensation for their animals as long as they write on the invoice that it is for track maintenance or stock feed, it's sickening.

The general public need to see this documentary. Spread the news. It's time to get rid of 1080 once and for all.