October 1998
Report summary
An impossumable dream? This report examines progress on possum control including the use of 1080 and other control methods and the statutory framework for managing the ecological and disease vector effects of possums, and identifies various strategic risks that may continue to have a significant impact on effective possum control in the future.
Executive summary
In 1994 the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released a wide-ranging report examining the use of 1080 for possum control, other control methods, how the effects of possums are managed, the statutory framework for managing possums and the management of feral animals carrying tuberculosis (Tb). The investigation was in response to widespread complaints concerning aerial application of 1080 for possum control.
Since 1994, progress has been made on a number of issues, for example:
- communication and coordination between the control agencies and the research advisers, funders and providers has been more effective
- there has been increased standardisation of monitoring operations.
However, despite this progress, possums are still a very significant risk to New Zealand. Possum impacts are complex, both environmentally and economically. This report discusses some of the ongoing strategic risks, including:
- Lack of integration for control strategies - there needs to be good understanding between control agencies and the regulatory agencies of the overall objectives of possum control. This includes the risks of not controlling possums and the opportunity costs that could result if tighter regulations increase the costs of control.
- Research gaps - the appropriate level of research into possums as predators needs to be identified and the adequacy of ecological research in New Zealand that examines the broader impacts of possums on natural systems evaluated.
- Social values - more research money should be spent on social science research into understanding public attitudes and perceptions and effectively providing scientific information to the public.
- Risk of an inappropriate policy response - Government research businesses, especially Landcare Research, have, through long-term strategic investments and partnerships, developed considerable expertise and made significant progress in the development of biological control methods. However access to sufficient research investment may be limiting their capacity to contribute.
- Overlooking tangata whenua concerns- if consultation/information matters are not convincing some tangata whenua will remain antagonistic to control operations. While objections may be localised, adverse publicity can affect other communities and add to a wider public climate of mistrust.
- Development of a quality assurance culture and training needs - without appropriate quality assurance systems and training programmes inefficiencies will continue.
Findings & recommendations
While the progress since the 1994 report is pleasing to note, looking ahead, there are new challenges and associated risks that require consideration and action. Underlying these is the reality that, despite considerable progress and expenditure, the possum remains a very significant risk to New Zealand, both in economic and environmental terms. This is not the time to lessen the effort against what is arguably our major pest species.
This evaluation has identified several strategic areas that need to be addressed. In summary, they are:
- sustained political and public focus, as well as commitment, to substantially reduce Tb levels in cattle and deer herds and to protect native biological diversity
- promotion of the two national objectives rather than continued arguments about the merits of reducing the national possum population per se
- strong commitment from all control agencies to collaborate and share information, research, experiences and expertise
- better scientific understanding of the role of possums in New Zealand ecosystems, with a greater focus on its impact as a predator of native birds
- appropriate policies to ensure the development and testing of delivery systems for possum-specific biological control methods can proceed as soon as possible
- better understanding of community values and beliefs that shape attitudes towards the risks and benefits of control options
- a greater effort to inform Maori and communities about the nature of risk, how it applies to possum impacts and the use of different control methods
- development and implementation of a quality assurance system that permeates the possum control industry and delivers effective, efficient and safe operation.
