Twenty more people from groups and projects all over the Kiwi Coast are ‘licensed to kill’ after a Controlled Substance Licence Course was held.
A Controlled Substance Licence is required for those wishing to use poisons such as cyanide, PAPP, 1080 and pindone (if broadcast, rather than used in a bait station) to eradicate animal pests. The course was resourced by the Kiwi Coast and run by Carl Cooper and Geoff Allinson from CanTrain.
The high demand for this licence was clear when the course was completely booked out within 24 hours of Kiwi Coast groups being invited to send a representative along.
Those on the course were from a wide range of groups and projects involved in the Kiwi Coast including:
- Bream Head Conservation Trust,
- Russell State Forest Kaitaiki,
- Tutukaka Landcare,
- Pataua Nth Landcare,
- Owhiwa Landcare,
- Whareora Landcare,
- Taheke Landcare,
- Tanekaha CPCA,
- Russell Landcare,
- Manaia Landcare,
- Reotahi Landcare,
- Puketi Forest Trust,
- Rayonier-Matariki Forest Glenbervie Project,
- Taurikura Ridge Landcare,
- Backyard Kiwi,
- Pupurangi Nature Sanctuary,
- Ngati Wai,
- Kaimamaku Landcare.
The vision of the Kiwi Coast is to support and link community-led kiwi recovery groups in eastern Northland. This includes helping projects gain the skills, knowledge and tools they need to get the job done of controlling animal pests, restoring habitats and helping our native wildlife thrive.
Being able to use a wider range of toxins means that projects can select the best tool for the job when undertaking pest control operations. It may also mean that the CSL holders can assist other projects along the Kiwi Coast and help each other out if needed.
The next Controlled Substance Licence training is due to be held by the Northland Regional Council in September 2015. For more information contact the NRC Biosecurity staff on 0800 002 004.
