Spray protest endangers lives

By AINSLEY THOMSON and ELIZABETH BINNING

Protesters endangered lives by releasing balloons in the path of the plane spraying to eradicate the asian gypsy moth, Hamilton police say.

They warn that, if caught, the anti-spray protesters will be charged with endangering transport, a criminal offence that carries a prison term of up to five years.

The balloons, attached to long lines of nylon, were tied to trees and lamp-posts round the 1250ha section of Hamilton sprayed for the first time yesterday morning.

Police believe the balloons were intended to distract the pilot, who was flying about 50m above the ground.

Inspector Paul Carpenter, Hamilton city area controller, said the protesters probably were not aware of how dangerous their actions were.

"If the plane was to crash into a populated residential area - which is exactly where it is flying - the consequences would be horrendous."

The $11 million spraying campaign, initiated after the discovery of one moth in March, has been heavy criticised by protesters, a group of whom mounted an unsuccessful High Court challenge on Tuesday.

Last week, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff and contractors involved in the campaign were put on alert because of death threats and threats to sabotage aircraft.

Robert Isbister, general manager of the campaign, said the first day of spraying was a success, despite the balloons.

Spraying began about 6.45am and was finished just after 10am - an hour earlier than anticipated.

But life in Hamilton was still disrupted as people tried to avoid the spray.

Hundreds of schoolchildren were kept home - schools reported that about half their students were absent.

New Zealand Post delivery manager Robbie Glasgow said seven posties who had health problems such as asthma stayed indoors. As a result, dozens of homes did not receive morning mail.

Some Hamilton West residents said they were woken early by the small yellow plane.

Others were out waiting for it, cameras ready.

Morning joggers did not appear overly concerned about the low-flying plane or the white trails of Foray 48B lingering in the sky for a few seconds.

Despite a lack of wind, spray drifted a reasonable distance outside the target zone. It settled in a thin, sticky film on windows and car windscreens.

Louie Lolesio braved the spraying at 7.30am. The 15-year-old said he was not concerned about possible health effects.

The next round of spraying is due to take place next Wednesday.