Lack of action on pest control 'disappointing' – Commissioner

The only way to control predators inflicting "enormous damage" on New Zealand's native birds and plants is to use 1080, the Commissioner for the Environment says.

Two years on from her report backing greater use of 1080 for pest control, Dr Jan Wright has expressed her disappointment that little has changed.

Dr Wright recommended in June 2011 that controversial 1080 poison be used more often as means of controlling pests.

Every year, 3500 tonnes of 1080 poison is distributed to kill pests like possums, stoats and rats.

The use of the chemical has long been debated, with opponents claiming that it can end up in the food chain and aerial drops allow the bait to kill indiscriminately.

However, in a new report released today, Dr Wright says time is running out for native species on the mainland.

"There are three predators that are inflicting enormous damage on our native birds and plants - possums, rats, and stoats. The only way we can control them over large areas is to use 1080. We are lucky to have it," she said.

"When I released my report two years ago I called for greater use of 1080 because I was extremely concerned about the future of kiwi and other native birds."

Dr Wright also said that she is frustrated that DoC is spending money looking into alternatives to 1080, instead of simply using it more often.

"Currently the Department of Conservation is spending more on research into 1080 and its alternatives than it is on actually using it.

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Lack of action on pest control 'disappointing' - Commissioner