As one introduced species to another, can I congratulate you on publishing Lewis Hore’s article (Bias against introduced animals needs revision, 20 Jan 2017). How sick we all are of hearing the “all native good, all introduced bad” dogma which denies that honey bees pollinate native trees, eucalyptus and elderberry trees provide food for our birds, that poplars stabilise steep land more effectively than shallow rooted native trees, willows stabilise river banks, that kereru destroy kowhai trees and falcon, weka, morepork and pukeko all predate on native species. Our deer, trout, ducks and other game animals give parents and their kids a fine reason to get out into our amazing back country and learn skills, knowledge and a love and respect for the outdoors.
Conservation is borne from recreation – exterminate our game animals and you wipe out a generation of future conservationists
David Haynes
Co-Leader
NZ Outdoors Party
Ph: 03 546 6051