Post Poison survey for TBFree NZ 1080 Poison Operation on Molesworth Station

Press Release

Available for immediate release

August 2019

NZDA Molesworth Survey – final outcome

In October 2017 OSPRI applied a 1080 poison drop to almost 60,000 hectares, or one third, of Molesworth Station. The local Marlborough Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) sought, and received, permission from DOC to conduct independent post drop survey research. There was support, co-operation and financial assistance from many individuals and hunting groups.

The Branch, in a ground-breaking first for private citizens commissioned Kaylyn Pinney to undertake the research with assistance in terms of survey design from Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. Briefly, the methodology included transects being flown by helicopter over the drop area with animal carcases observed and counted. It also included independent ESR testing of 21 carcasses to ascertain their cause of death with 100% confirmed as having died from 1080 poisoning.

In terms of total numbers of deer killed the report concluded “that the 1080 operation killed a substantial proportion of the deer population” and that “the by-kill was substantially higher than the 30% expected by OSPRI”. It confirmed hunter’s worst fears.

The overall objective of the research was to quantify the actual by-kill levels in an alpine, open dry land environment, given many of these carcases then wash into waterways, and the Molesworth herd is trophy class so important to hunters. With this research in hand it allowed the Branch to have subsequent evidence-based discussions with OSPRI, Landcare, DOC, Game Animal Council and the Molesworth steering committee in January 2018.

A month later OSPRI conducted their own research – it confirmed the very high level of by-kill. To be fair, and under some pressure, they responded and postponed planned 1080 operations to poison the remaining two thirds of Molesworth. The research has been a game changer in that it has exposed excessive by-kill levels which in turn have demanded a serious attempt at genuine mitigation.

In 2019 OSPRI trialled a new 1080 deer repellent in the South Awatere and Clarence River areas. It can be applied at very low cost. We understand it delivered positive results which if true would be a significant improvement for all future 1080 poison operations right across New Zealand. The Branch supported that trial for obvious reasons.

The minutes of the January 2018 meeting indicate that OSPRI agreed “to work collaboratively to develop win-win solutions acceptable to all parties” and “agreed to look at options to survey deer numbers and 1080 drop impacts”. The Branch also stated “NZDA is keen to be involved with this work and to have it integrated with our initial November 2017 survey”. We offered volunteer labour to assist with any collaborative work.

We are disappointed therefore that OSPRI after a number of requests, has not included the Branch in design consultation for subsequent research or trials or allowed us to be involved as observers. That seriously undermines trust in any trial results. That position isn’t in line with the “open and transparent” approach promoted by the current government nor in our view the undertakings given by OSPRI in January 2018. We encourage OSPRI to reconsider this position and to work more closely with NZDA on the deer repellent trials to achieve win-win solutions that hunters can not only have confidence in but support for future operations.

A copy of the final report can be obtained from the NZDA website at https://www.deerstalkers.org.nz/st_control_operation_on_Molesworth_Station_in_2017.pdf