Herbicide spray concerns

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Wed, 06/04/2011 - 14:37

Fears that toxic sprays killed native skinks and katipo spiders living in Papamoa's sand dunes could force Tauranga City Council into more environmentally friendly methods.

Fears that toxic sprays killed native skinks and katipo spiders living in Papamoa's sand dunes could force Tauranga City Council into more environmentally friendly methods.

The council has launched an investigation into the claim by toxic sprays watchdog Spraywatch that the sprays were illegally killing protected skinks.

Spraywatch co-ordinator Jacqui Martin said residents have seen no live skinks in the dunes since the council began spraying to kill the non-native vegetation.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said:

"All of New Zealand's native lizards are protected under the Wildlife Act. As a consequence, you would be breaking the law if you attempt to eradicate them by using toxic agrichemicals."

Read the full article in the "Bay of Plenty Times".