May 23, 2024
1080 drop planned for Raukumara
There’s alarm at the damaged being caused to the Raukumara range on the East Coast by rampaging possums.
Greenpeace chair Tui Warmenhoven, a Ruatoria-based environmental researcher, says a hui this week heard how Ngati Porou and Te Whanau Apanui are working with the Department of Conservation on a 1080 eradication plan.
She says the steep nature of the remote terrain has provided cover for possums and other pests to thrive.
“It’s a silent forest, virtually no bird song in there. Some place where you have had pest management in the past are just hanging on, particularly Nga Whenua Rahui blocks, but the public conservation estate is the target area,” Ms Warmenhoven says.