Kate Anderson. File photo: Kim McKechie Photography Concerned Tapanui residents say it is not too late to stop a 1080 drop in the neighbouring Blue Mountains, despite helicopters beginning work this week. The Department of Conservation (Doc) says it is carrying out the programme to help protect native bird life — including the at-risk mohua — by killing rodents, possums and stoats. Helicopter contractors began work on the planned 13,000ha pest control drop on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, a member of a group of residents against the drop, Kate Anderson, attended the West Otago Community Board meeting, in Tapanui, to state her case. Mrs Anderson said the group had sent a formal letter through a lawyer asking Doc to halt the drop until a thorough risk assessment and consultation could take place. This was yet to receive a response. She also told the community board she was disappointed there had been no public consultation preceding the drop. She said discussions with Doc project leaders had indicated the Clutha District Council was the official conduit for raising concerns with the department. She understood the council had been informed of the drop late last year, and questioned why elected representatives had not taken the opportunity to seek feedback from residents at that time. "For the community to have a say, it has to come through the council as this is the only avenue for our voice. "I’d like to see the council doing this, to allow community solutions to be considered going forward." During discussions, board members expressed sympathy for Mrs Anderson’s position, and acknowledged there was a lack of clarity over consultation. The board requested council staff provide clarification of procedure for providing community feedback in future. Fellow anti-1080 campaigner Sandy Dorr told the Otago Daily Times they did not seek a "fight", but a "conversation" with Doc and other stakeholders. "Our focus remains on advocating for long-overdue, ethical and environmentally sensitive solutions that respect our ecosystems, wildlife, water and communities. "The strength of our movement comes not from conflict, but from people working together to seek better outcomes." richard.davison@odt.co.nz
