Dear Ministry for the Environment,

In the 1950s, the British government stopped use of 1080 because its environmental harm went far beyond the target species.

I recently asked for a copy of the NZ registered label for 1080. I received a sheet containing the skull and crossbones logo (top left corner) and the eco-toxic logo (top right corner) together with the words DEADLY POISON and ECOTOXIC in large lettering.

I understand the legislation requires the manufacturer to attach the registered label to the product, but does not require the user to use the product according to the label.

During 2017, Department of Conservation began removing the eco-toxic logo from public warning notices and from announcements of pending 1080 operations.

Please clarify for me, under what regulation(s) is it good practice, or a requirement in law, for government to advise the public that 1080 is eco-toxic?

While the eco-toxic label has been removed from public warning notices along road sides, I have seen it nailed up on warehouses where 1080 is stored. Please clarify when is the eco-toxic logo required to be used?

The public is participating with good will in volunteer programs to reduce rats, mustelids, possums. It would be disturbing if government did not reciprocate the good will by keeping the public fully informed of known dangers in the use of animal toxins. People might unknowingly harm the very eco-systems they are trying to protect.

Yours faithfully,

Wendy Pond