Copeland Gordon: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Copeland Gordon: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:645;Page:14607] 
4.  
GORDON COPELAND (Independent) 
 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) 
: 
 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. 
Gordon Copeland 
: 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 SPEAKER 
: Does the Minister wish to add to her answer? 
Hon STEVE CHADWICK 
: Certainly. The cull will be carried out by operators who will be contracted by the Department of Conservation to work the island on foot. 
Gordon Copeland 
: 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— 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Please be seated. Members please refrain from discussing or commenting on the question until we have heard it in total. Please start again. 
Gordon Copeland 
: 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 
: I have been advised that that has not been proven in New Zealand yet and this breed is not threatened in this country. 
Gordon Copeland 
: Is the Minister aware that 1215 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 
: 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. 
Gordon Copeland 
: 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. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? Yes there is objection. 
Gordon Copeland 
: I seek the leave of the House to table a document from the chairman of the European Livestock Association. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Gordon Copeland 
: I seek the leave of the House to table a document from Betty Rowe setting out the entire background of this whole matter. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House. 
Gordon Copeland 
: I seek the leave of the House to table a letter written to the Prime Minister from the chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK. 
Document by leave laid on the Table of the House.