Sodium fluoroacetate 1080 as defined by Fisher, 

P. (2008), is a salt form of

fluoroacetate. The toxic component of 1080 is fluoroacetate which naturally found in some
poisonous plants species in some countries such as Africa, Australia and Brazil.
A study from Green (2004) argues that Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080 bait) has been
tested via a genetic toxicity test and it is safe as it does not genotoxic and carcinogenic
(causing cancer). Another test (drink water contamination test) shows that the microbial
degradation of 1080 is fast as it can be digested by bacteria and fungi.
Green (2004) shows that 1080 is the most effective pest control ever to reduce the
incidence of Tb in cattle and deer herds.

“The present approach of ground and aerial operations, and

combining 1080 use with other poisons, is effectively reducing the
incidence of Tb.”p 54

Green (2004) also states that the follow-up 1080 operation has helped increase the
population of some natives plant in New Zealand such as tawa, kohekohe and mistletoe as
to name some.
Similarly, after the aerial dropping of 1080 in kohukohunui liver last year, the
population of pests was decreasing and the number of kōkako was increasing
(Fisher, 2008).

“The 1080 drop and intensive pest control has seen pest numbers
drop and kōkako numbers climb. The most recent census before last
year's 1080 drop counted 55 breeding pairs.”

“Now there are 116 breeding pairs. Last season each pair produced
an average of three chicks”.

There has been a debate on why New Zealand is currently using 1080 to protect its
biodiversity – to save the life of endangered native plants and animals, while other countries
such as USA banned it. A primary response to this as discussed by Green (2014) and The Seal
of the Environment Court New Zealand (2018): New Zealand is different from other
countries such as America in term of the unique adaptation of its’ native plant and animal
species. These species are rarely found in some other countries and more significantly New
Zealand have no native ground-dwelling mammals. The indigenous plant and animals have
evolved and been isolated from the reset of the world. Therefore, they are vulnerable to
predators such as Possums, rats and stoats as they are unable to protect themselves from
these named pests.

Although the applicant (Friends of Sherwood) provide evidence to the Environmental

court that they have ancestral link to Mana Whenua of Kohukohunui, and have a right to
halt the 1080 operation due to its influence to drinking water in the area, the court decision
favours the respondent for the following major reasons:

Neilson (2019) and The Seal of the Environment Court New Zealand (2018) depicts
that not enough evidence provided by Friends of Sherwood to win their case. Also, their
arguments was poorly presented – the majority of their filed evidences were just opinions
rather than facts. The court also inquire sufficient proof regarding historical event and
spiritual practices associate with Kohukohunui in which they lacked to present it. In
addition, the court considered the view of Friends of Sherwood in serving concerns arose
from other members of the community about the 1080 operation – however, it is just that -
one view.

“That view was "comprehensively met" by the evidence from the

council, DoC and the Public Health Service, who arguably also
represented the public interest.
The arguments advanced by Friends of Sherwood were "legally
without substance and the evidence about potentially adverse
effects was evidentially problematic". (Neilson, 2019)

References:
Neilson M. (2019, July 29). 1080 challenge: $40k bill for Friends of Sherwood Trust after
Environment Court battle against Auckland Council, DOC. Nzherald. Retrieved from
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12253754

The Seal of the Environment Court New Zealand. (2018). Before the Environment Court I
mua te kooti taiao o Aotearoa. Retrieved from
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/media/21900/2018-nzenvc-178-the-
 friends-of-sherwood-trust-ngati-paoa-trust-board-v-the-chief-executive-of-the-
auckland-council.pdf

Green, W. (2004). The use of 1080 for Pest control. Retrieved from
https://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-
pests/use-of-1080-04.pdf

 Fisher, P. (2008). The Science of how 1080 works. Retrieved from

http://www.1080facts.co.nz/the-science-of-how-1080-works.html

Hancock, F. (2019, Sept 19). Kōkako singing after 1080 court case. Nzherald. Retrieved from
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/18/813748/kkako-after-the-court-case#