Documentary opposes use of 1080 poison

New Zealand's long-term use of 1080 is poisoning forest ecosystems and could drive birds and insect populations to extinction, a new documentary says.

However, the Department of Conservation (DOC) says the anti-1080 film does not raise fresh claims or evidence.

About 300 people packed Hokitika's Regent Theatre on Friday night for the premiere of Poisoning Paradise -- Ecocide in New Zealand.

Hamilton-based film-makers Clyde and Steve Graf said it was a tragedy the documentary had to be made.

Largely shot in bush areas after aerial 1080 drops, the documentary "goes behind the wall of the forest and shows people the other side of the story", Clyde Graf said.

It shows falcons and other birds dying, freshwater crayfish fighting over submerged 1080 pellets, deer and pigs rotting in creeks, eels eating dead animals in waterways, dead and dying stock, and weka and bush robins picking at 1080 carcasses and baits.

Scientists, university lecturers, doctors, hunters and farmers highlight their concerns about the impact of 1080 on wildlife populations, the forest ecosystem and human health.

The Graf brothers worked on the film for eight months after seeing a weka picking at a 1080 carcass in Kahurangi National Park.

"We are asking people who care about New Zealand to sit through this to get the full picture about 1080 before they make up their minds," Clyde Graf said.

Renowned aviator Sir Tim Wallis thanked the Graf brothers for their work after attending the premiere.

"What we have seen tonight is what is really happening. Thankfully, they have recorded it all, because otherwise it will remain a secret," he said.

The chairwoman of TB-Free West Coast, Helen Lash, said the movie was "thought-provoking and raised valid questions".

"I have concerns about the secondary poisoning of species, particularly after seeing freshwater crayfish fighting over 1080 baits. DOC will probably not be too happy about it, because it undermines what they do," Lash said.

However, the film was one side of the 1080 argument. Farmers struggling with bovine tuberculosis would go backwards if the aerial 1080 programme was removed, she said.

Lash said she would report to the Animal Health Board (AHB) this week on the documentary and would recommend the board view it.

"There is no point for any group to put their heads in the sand over this. We all have to sit down, look at the information and start working our way through it."

DOC communications advice manager Rory Newsam said DOC and AHB representatives attended Friday's premiere.

"They have reported that the movie raised no fresh claims or evidence. Basically, the Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved 1080 for use; it is safe to use and DOC is going to use it."

- © Fairfax NZ News