The Thames Coromandel District Council has cautiously supported a move to halt the use of 1080 in the area.
The council plans to urge the Minister of Conservation for animal pest control in the district to be done where practicable by trapping, hunting and non-residual poisons. It will also advocate the potential for economic development through possum fur exports and the resultant job opportunities presented through the growth of the possum fibre market; and to ask the Hauraki Coromandel Development Group to pursue feasibility funding from the Department of Trade and Enterprise to develop the possum fur market.

1080 protestors had cause for celebration after the council meeting yesterday.

The council discussed the issue after a Notice of Motion from Councillor Dal Minogue suggested it could take an advocacy role on behalf of ratepayers, despite having no statutory role over the use of the poison. Reihana Robinson of the Upper Coromandel Landcare Association says they are very pleased with the outcome.
'It was a bit of a surprise, but a great step forward for the land and for pest control. Hats off to (Mayor) Philippa Barriball for her support and to Councillor Dal Minogue for his notice that got the ball rolling.”
In reaching its decision, Council considered a report from the chief executive on all the pros and cons of aerial 1080 drops in the district and also took account of an earlier resolution from the Coromandel/Colville Community Board and a press release from Textiles New Zealand.