Plenty of opportunities for compromise

I suspect the Parliamentary Commission for the Environment, Jan Wright, was more surprised than anyone with the result of her almost 12 months of work evaluating our use of sodium monofluoracetate, commonly referred to as 1080.

Now, I know there are a couple of camps on this issue, the pros and the cons of using this compound to control predators that inhabit our Department of Conservation estate, that's not including our native bush that surrounds much of our agricultural land in many locations, possibly putting at risk the TB status of some regional cattle herds.

All this aside, it appears that the continuing issue will be pitting scientist against scientist to unravel the true answer to these problems.

New Zealand research has been going for some 40-odd years, with countless papers being presented by a host of organisations. Unfortunately, it will take much more than Dr Wright to convince some whose opposition to any form of poison being used is well documented.

Even Dr Wright acknowledges that the dropping of tonnes of poison within the DoC estate is far from ideal.

Some would claim 1080 is the best option and that research has proven that 1080 is far less harmful to the environment and the native species within it than the pests targeted.

Some would also claim to have seen a reduction in birdlife, decomposing carcasses of pigs and deer, along with contaminated waterways all due to 1080.

Others would seek to discredit anyone who is remotely connected to the Government, on the belief that all staff are indoctrinated with the policy of the day and will vigorously defend continuing use of 1080.

As is with all issues, a way forward needs to be found that can see our native birdlife continue to flourish, along with our native flora and fauna allowed to grow undamaged.

So where to from here? The for and against need to look at each others' point of view, try to understand where each is coming from, use the available science to understand these points, then get together to discuss the differences, maybe with an independent facilitator.

As hard as it may seem with these discussions, it is important to show each other respect and understanding. Those involved come from diverse backgrounds, all believing they have the answer. No matter what, we need to listen to their views.

It could be as simple as the next couple of generations knowing nothing about our wildlife or accepting bovine TB being something we must live with.

Whatever the result, we need to be driven by what future generations could be left with. Remember, life is full of compromises, never be frightened to make one.

Brian Doughty is a long time member of Wanganui Tramping Club, has spent a couple of summers in Antarctica and is provincial president of Wanganui Federated Farmers.