Fundraising for Protect Rakiura Trust

Protect Rakiura Trust is an environmental, community based organisation formed in 2024. We are opposed to the use of harmful toxins for pest / predator management, in particular aerially applied 1080 and brodifacoum.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) with Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) have aerially sown over 112 tonnes of 1080 bait in Rakiura / Stewart Island in July and August 2025, over 43,000 ha. This is part of a wider, ambitious plan to make the entire Island predator-free. Brodifacoum will also be used.

We believe that 1080 is harmful to the environment and our native wildlife. Aerial applications of toxins are totally indiscriminate.

Known cases of harm to humans, pets and native wildlife, see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQRuOj96CRs

www.1080science.co.nz.

Nil/minimal research has been carried out on human health, food, ecosystem impacts, changing pest behaviour/reinvasion issues. Like most places where aerial toxins are applied - detailed biodiversity baseline studies have not been carried out over the entire spectrum of native/endemic wildlife in Rakiura.

Over 80% of the world production of 1080 is used in NZ. A state-owned enterprise manufactures the bait. The cycle of poisoning continues to disrupt our environment with unknown long term consequences.

We urgently need funds to help:

a) raise awareness, provide factual information;

b) carry out baseline monitoring of wildlife and pests/predators;

c) establish safe alternatives targeted to problem areas.