Re 'Swannining around in the mangroves”
I protest about the above article. I wish to draw your readers attention to the fact that most of the contents of this article are completely inaccurate, and I can only assume that the author is in fact one of the shooters and is totally biased and incorrect in his assumptions.

There are several reasons given to justify this slaughter, and I will deal with them one at a time.
1)- they claim the swans pollute the farm paddocks, but in an article in the Fish and game magazine, issue 26 April 2008, this is proved incorrect by one Greame Hughes, Fish and Game Officer for the Central South Island.
2)- The swans are blamed for pollution of the harbour, the same article disputes this also. It is stated that pollution by farm livestock and run-off from farms is the main cause.
3)-It is claimed that the harbour is full of swan droppings. This is total rubbish, as the very high tidal flow scours the harbor clean at every tide. I paddle a kayak on the harbour and have yet to see a problem.
4)- It is claimed the swans consume small fish. Just Google this for yourself, and you will find articles from around the world, all stating that the swans are vegetarian
Also with regard to the swan droppings these are actually a source of food for the fish. I have been informed that research is being undertaken on the swans, by a student at the University of Waikato, and that the result will be made public, but should like to point out that there are many articles available on the web which can be researched by any one of us.
Finally, a couple of weeks ago, I sat in my kayak, out in the middle of the harbour, and enjoyed the musical calling of the swans, and enjoyed watching the family groups. I went out again after the slaughter – silence!
KR Mitchell, Katikati.