Wanted Alive campaign

Press, 19 April 1982, Page 20

Wanted Alive campaign

Sir. — There is little doubt the funding of the Wildlife Service is pathetic, given our international obligations to protect our unique fauna. The campaign, however, sidesteps the fact that deliberate policies of various Government agencies are responsible tor aggravating the plight of many species For example, the Rural Bank encourages the destruction of known kiwi habitats The Forest Service ignores that 98 per cent of submissions on Pureora forests were against logging. The Ministry of Energy supports oil exploration in the Great South Basin that may spoil one of tne world's great natural treasures, our sub-Antarctic islands. The problem is not insufficient public regard, but who holds the real power in decision making. People in the upper echelons of Government and its develop-ment-oriented departments who are prepared to risk the wiping of species from the face of the earth, they are the problem. — Yours, etc., B. A.-CALDER. April 16. 1982.