4. GORDON COPELAND (Independent) Link to this
to the Minister of Conservation
Is the Department of Conservation still proposing to proceed with a cull to control the goats on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds; if so, when and how?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Minister of Conservation) Link to this
Yes. The regular operation to control the goats that were introduced to Arapawa Island will happen later this month. We do this to protect rare native forest and threatened plant species in a scenic reserve on that island.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The principal question also asked how the cull was to be carried out. The Minister did not address that part of the question.
Madam SPEAKERHon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
Certainly. The cull will be carried out by operators who will be contracted by the Department of Conservation to work the island on foot.
Is the Minister aware that DNA testing shows that the Arapawa goats are a genetically distinct breed, that they are descendants of goats left on the island by James Cook in, probably, 1773, and that they are almost certainly Old English Goats, which became extinct in England in 1954; if so, does she accept that we have a solemn obligation—[ Interruption] I would appreciate members listening to the question. I know that Old English Goats might be humorous in some senses, but we are actually talking about quite a serious issue here. Can I start that one—
Please be seated. Members, please refrain from discussing or commenting on the question until we have heard it in total. Please start again.
Is the Minister aware that DNA testing shows that the Arapawa goats are a genetically distinct breed, that they are descendants of goats left on the island by James Cook in, probably, 1773, and that they are almost certainly Old English Goats, which became extinct in England in 1954; if so, does she accept that we have a solemn obligation in terms of the guardianship, the kaitiaki, of these beautiful and unique animals for all future generations?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I have been advised that that has not been proven in New Zealand yet, and this breed is not threatened in this country.
Is the Minister aware that 1,215 concerned citizens of the international community have signed a petition, which has been presented to Parliament today, opposing the shooting of the Arapawa goats; that shooting them is opposed by Bob Kerridge of the SPCA, Betty Rowe, who is a long-time resident of the island, the Deerstalkers Association, the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand, and many others; and that the cull is in breech of the Rio Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources; and will she therefore commit now to put away the guns and, instead, adopt a preservation plan for this unique and wonderful species?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I repeat that this species is not threatened in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation works actively with the community on Arapawa Island on the annual operation to cull the goats. And I am aware of the petition presented today.
I seek the leave of the House to table a document containing an extract from the journal of James Cook in which he says he left a male goat and a female goat at Arapawa.
I seek the leave of the House to table a document from the chairman of the European Livestock Association.
I seek the leave of the House to table a document from Betty Rowe, setting out the entire background of this whole matter.