New anti-1080 project announced by New Zealand First

NZ First agriculture and primary industries spokesman Richard Prosser said they wanted to build a project to educate the farming community and the public about 1080 and bovine Tb.

New Zealand First announced a new anti-1080 project at the weekend, saying it would be calling for a moratorium on the use of the poison.

About 50 activists attended a rally in Hokitika on Saturday.

NZ First agriculture and primary industries spokesman Richard Prosser said they wanted to build a project to educate the farming community and the public about 1080 and bovine Tb.

"As part of that project, we are going to ask for a moratorium on the aerial use of 1080. A 10-year moratorium. The funding saved can be better used on ground operations and finding a viable alternative to 1080," Dr Prosser said.

He called the new project 'Beyond 1080'.

A website was under construction, where people would be able to send e-cards to the Minister of Primary Industries and the Minister of Conservation, and download a petition.

"Mostly though, we need your support for public meetings -- if you'd like to organise one in your community, get in touch with my office."

Dr Prosser said Ospri Tb Free spent a "measly" $3 million on research into alternatives at the moment -- "let's bump that up and get some real work happening".

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research estimated that expanding the possum industry could lead to an increase in GDP of $58.5m, along with an additional 760 jobs each year.

"New Zealanders pride themselves on being able to live off the land. Every single one of us knows at least one person who hunts ... Stopping New Zealanders from doing something that is quintessentially Kiwi doesn't make sense."

He contractors walked in to the bush see if chew cards had been bitten by possums, they dropped 1080 and walked back in again to see how many chew cards had been bitten.

"So, the question we ask is, why can't they walk in with traps?"