Spray Recipe Was Known

Contrary to assertions to the contrary, the Australian doctor commissioned by the Hamilton City Council to write an independent report on the aerial spray programme to eradicate the asian gypsy moth did have full access to the formula of the spray contents. There was no failure and residents can have confidence in his findings.

Health concerns were at the forefront of Cabinet’s decision- making, and $28 million was allocated for health services, information, and other mitigation measures for the asian gypsy moth and the painted apple moth programmes in Hamilton and Auckland.

These moths would do terrible damage to New Zealand if they became established and that is why such programmes were put in place.

The Government put a lot of thought into it, and public health was of significant concern. Public health is also part of biosecurity, not just concerns for plants and animals.

Should the asian gypsy moth or the red fire ant, for example, get established in New Zealand, that would have drastic impacts on our ability to enjoy the outdoors lifestyle so many of us currently enjoy, not to mention the long-term health of our citizens. (Abridged)

JIM ANDERTON

Minister for Biosecurity

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(c) 2007 Waikato Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.