Native birds left on Parliament steps as part of a 1080 protest yesterday appeared to have been bludgeoned to death, according to Speaker Trevor Mallard, who has laid a police complaint
A man in HAZMAT outfit picks up 1080 look-alike pallets during the protest. Photo: RNZ/ Gia Garrick
Mr Mallard has laid a complaint with police and the Department of Conservation after five native birds, including two kereru, were left on Parliament steps as part of the protest.
Protestors scattered fake 1080 pallets all over Parliament's steps yesterday and placed the dead birds on the precinct, as part of their ongoing campaign to ban the poison.
Mr Mallard said this afternoon he had viewed video footage of what happened during the protest, but wouldn't be making it public as it would likely be part of court proceedings.
"It has been confirmed to me that kererū and weka, amongst other protected native species, were among the dead birds deposited on the steps of Parliament during the course of a protest action.
"The kereru appears to have been killed by bludgeoning", he said.
It is illegal to kill or be in possession of native birds and initial testing of the birds pointed to the kereru being victims of blunt force trauma.
The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to two years or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both.
Mr Mallard said he was generally supportive of protest action.
"But I cannot condone illegal activity committed as part of a protest action on the grounds of Parliament and therefore a complaint has been laid.
"I also personally find it regrettable that children were encouraged to be involved in this illegal activity", Mr Mallard told reporters."
This particular display was "offensive" and "regrettable", he said.