Last week's column by deposed former EBOP councillor Andrew Von Dadelszen congratulating (new) PCE Commissioner Dr Jan Wright for her report on 1080 poison use in NZ for being ‘science-based', was about as absurd as claiming that politics in NZ is honesty (or integrity)-based!
When you consider the facts that the public were almost totally excluded from any input into this so-called ‘review', and that over 80% of the (junk) science and data submitted was from hugely biased (pro-1080) DOC, AHB, and Govt-funded sources, with only a token gesture input from the possum fur trade and a dismissive glance at 1080 ‘alternatives, you will realise that this ‘report' was a purely political document, intended to undermine Maori Party MP Rahui Katene's upcoming Bill to ban 1080 in NZ.
Similar to the 2007 ERMA 1080 review (under Labour), this was simply an orchestrated public charade, with a largely pre-determined outcome. Wright's report has been labelled 'The Puppetry of the PCE” by critics, and is simply a sideshow in the theatre that is NZ politics.
This report (along with Andrew's commentary) is another slap in the face to NZ citizens who have every right to object to their water supplies, wild food sources, and whole forest ecosystems being contaminated by this hugely dangerous, non-selective foreign poison, which has been banned in most other countries. It further shows the contempt and arrogance that National have for the NZ public, while supporting the dark pro-1080 alliances with which they are incestuously involved. The NZ Govt's appalling track record of toxin misuse, and cover-ups, continues.
Since tabling this report, the Commissioner has (illegally) refused to answer Official Information Act requests as to 'who commissioned, requested, or orchestrated this report?” I wonder why?
It could be suggested that anyone who publicly applauds this report by claiming that it is an impartial, balanced & un-biased view on the use of 1080 in NZ, is either a liar, or a fool.
Dean Maisey, Tauranga.