Protest at 1080 use spreads

Marlborough district councillor Tom Harrison wants the council to take a stand over the use of 1080 poison, following the lead of Kaikoura and other district councils.

Kaikoura district Mayor Kevin Heays said last week he would ask his councillors next month to consider banning 1080 within the district's borders.

Mr Harrison said he wanted fellow councillors to be given a chance to have their say on the pesticide's use in Marlborough.

"The council can make a strong stand on this."

The poison is used in Marlborough by the Animal Health Board as part of bovine tuberculous eradication and the Department of Conservation to control possum numbers.

Mr Harrison applauded moves by other local authorities to oppose the use of 1080 and said he would like to see similar action in Marlborough.