I am particularly concerned about the possibility that lorikeets could reach the sensitive offshore islands that are important sanctuaries for our threatened species. A special exemption has been granted to enable responsible owners to continue to keep lorikeets as caged birds. Stronger penalties now exist for those who do not keep the birds in secure aviaries or who release them into the wild. The rainbow lorikeet are also to be added to the Fifth Schedule of the Wildlife Act 1953, joining species like magpies and ferrets as not protected. Introduced species like possums, rabbits, stoats and ferrets have proved to be an environmental disaster.
Lorikeets have the potential to be equally destructive.
If Aucklanders are to hear the morning song of the tui in the future, we must take action now to control the lorikeets.