Debate
Saturday 3 June, 2017
Dear Sir/ Madam,
If there is to be a debate about matters of science, let it be held in public. Absence of evidence (here, of harm) is not evidence of absence. Let it not be thought that we have a deal of science about this particular toxin, brodifacoum. We don’t. There are many reasons not to use it in the manner proposed for the Brook headwaters.
A hearing, not publically notified, imposed conditions to the poison consent that have now been ‘surrendered’ almost in entirety. By legislation effective this year, Councils now play no part, nor the public, when a decision is being made to aerially drop brodifacoum within a ‘predator-proof fence’. Some may be comfortable with that state of affairs. Many will not, and for many reasons.
There will be questions asked. “How do you prove a fence is predator-proof? What objective criteria can be applied?” And: “Does this fence meet those criteria? How are we to know, if they are not obliged to say? On whom should rest the burden of proof?” The fence perimeters will be patrolled by lawyers, not a desirable state of affairs.
This issue is befogged by the enchantment of a romantic vision in which Bambi’s mother does not die. We shan’t see the dying moreporks in what we are told will not be anyone’s favourite time. We are first to blind ourselves with the glory of a painted future, as we save our babies now. This propaganda remains a projection on the wall. Maybe we can take pests out by genetic selection for the infertility of offspring. Maybe we don’t need poisons.
How about just trapping, while we think about it?
Yours truly,
Christopher St Johanser, M.Phil.(English), M.A.(Applied).
Chair
Brook Valley Community Group (Inc.)
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Earth Emotions Silent Auction
Monday 16th February - Monday 2nd March
Bid on a special collection of 20 unframed prints by local photographers from an exhibition called Earth Emotions.
Glenn Allbrecht's book, Earth Emotions, inspired Ann Wheatley, Emma Jane Hughes and Peter Kemp to create a local exhibition exploring the health of our soils, waters, forests, and people, with support from the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and the Nelson City Council.
Forty-seven photographers responded to an open call, contributing over 100 images. A selection of these was exhibited at the Refinery Art Space.
The photographers have donated 20 exhibition prints to raise funds for the hospice.
View on site at Nelson Tasman Hospice or check out the website here: sites.google.com...
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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