Kia Ora Rapiti.
As the annual Hi-Cane season approaches it is encouraging to see community initiatives such as this one I came across in Te Puna this week.
Everyone in breathing distance of Hi-Cane, and all of the other poisonous agri chemicals being used on kiwifruit and avocados, must be notified by law.
For those who don't know Hi-Cane (Hydrogen Cyanamide) is a defoliant very similar to Agent Orange used in the Vietnam war.
It is sprayed on kiwifruit vines to strip all foliage and then to promote bud break and return more and larger fruit.
While I understand the reasons for its use I will never accept them, especially when one balances profit against human health and the health of our whenua.
Tauranga has always been a kai basket that grows plenty of everything and chemicals were never needed in the past, so why now?
In Maoridom we are taught by our elders that we must protect Papatuanuku - our Earth Mother - at all costs and for me poisoning her with agri chemicals like Hi-Cane is short sighted and there will always be a price to pay.
If you have noticed spraying in and around your home and have not been notified like us fortunate ones out here in Te Puna, then this is an offence and you can phone the Pollution Hotline on
0800 884 883 or email me: [email protected]
Speak up or stay silent on sprays - it's your call if you are brave enough to make it.

Tommy ‘Kapai' Wilson, Te Puna.