7 Jul 2010

Island weka cull runs into opposition

12:07 pm on 7 July 2010

A campaign to stop the Department of Conservation culling weka on Open Bay Island off South Westland appears to be gaining momentum.

The Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, says the colony of 100 weka are killing lizards and raiding penguin nests.

Rawa Karetai of Ngai Tahu, whose family has traditionally harvested kai from the Open Bay and Mutton Bird islands, says the birds should be relocated, not killed.

He told Waatea News says a Facebook page opposing the Open Island weka cull has already attracted more than 400 members.