Man pleads guilty over 1080 punch

1080 bait. Photo / Supplied

A man accused of punching a Coromandel Peninsula farmer over his 1080 views has pleaded guilty to common assault.

Peter Findlay, 57, of Thames, self employed, appeared in Waihi District Court today facing a charge of common assault.

The charge was the result of an incident on July 24 when Findlay punched Arthur Hinds at a local community and ratepayers association meeting in Paeroa.

Mr Hinds was punched in the head as he arrived to speak to Tairua residents about a proposed marine reserve.

Judge JP Geoghegan remanded Mr Findlay to reappear for pre-sentencing report on October 21.

Mr Hinds had earlier told the Herald the use of 1080 to control possums, stoats and rats was an emotive subject but he believed his detractors' arguments were based on "ignorance, emotion and self interest".

"I have 100ha of bush that has been approved for a QE2 covenant which means the land can't ever be cleared. So we are protecting it in perpetuity.

"I don't like any toxins but aerial 1080 has worked very well in taking the rats out," he said.

Supporters say 1080 can eradicate pests and help stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis.