Dr. Jo Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD in Zoology: A Passionate Advocate for Science and Wildlife

About Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

A Passionate Advocate for Science and Wildlife

Dr. Jo Pollard is a dedicated and independent scientist with a strong academic background in ecology, specializing in Limnology, Ecology, and Applied Ecology. With an Honours degree in these fields, Dr. Pollard embarked on a career that spanned over 18 years in intensive research on animal management with AgResearch. Her expertise is marked by a fervent commitment to the welfare of animals and a deep concern for New Zealand's ecological balance, all underpinned by unwavering dedication to scientific integrity.

In 2011, Dr. Pollard established and continues to maintain the widely recognized www.1080science.co.nz website. This platform serves as a hub for her extensive body of work, offering independent scientific reviews, press releases, and contributions from other independent scientists who have provided their own expert assessments on the harms caused by the use of 1080 poison. Moreover, Dr. Pollard has meticulously curated an extensive index of quotes extracted from the 2007 Environmental Risk Management Authority's (ERMA) 1080 Documents.

The ERMA Index, showcased on the website, plays a pivotal role in evaluating:

1. The quality of data employed by ERMA in shaping its pivotal decisions and setting critical controls.
2. The potential risks posed to biodiversity and human health by the use of 1080 poison.
3. The caliber of scientific data submitted by the key stakeholders, namely the Department of Conservation and the Animal Health Board, to substantiate the use of 1080 poison.

Dr. Pollard designed this Index to facilitate swift and easy access to the vast information utilized by ERMA. It encompasses 49 distinct subject sections, ranging from bats to invertebrates and Tuberculosis (Tb), each thoughtfully incorporating quotes from various sources, including Agency's Appendices A-T, Applicants' References, Submitters, and the Committee Decision. By including the Committee Decision quotes last within each section, Dr. Pollard enables a comprehensive examination of how the Committee has responded to the information at hand.

For well over 15 years, Dr. Pollard has been at the forefront of a critical issue facing New Zealand's wilderness. She has tirelessly campaigned against the systematic aerial distribution of substantial quantities of food laced with a universally toxic 1080 poison across the country's forest ecosystems. The magnitude of this endeavor is staggering, with enough poison dispersed annually to potentially exterminate the entire population of New Zealand four times over. This alarming scenario is unparalleled globally, making New Zealand's approach highly controversial.

Dr. Pollard's mission, through the www.1080science.co.nz website, is to delve into the scientific intricacies surrounding 1080 poison. She empowers individuals to make informed decisions on whether this practice should continue. In her pursuit of truth, she welcomes donations to support her research efforts and website administration, which is provided by nature loving kiwis on a voluntary basis. These funds are directed toward acquiring essential references and covering the costs associated with expanding the database to encompass recent publications.

To contribute and join Dr. Jo Pollard's crusade for science, wildlife, and ecological preservation, please visit the DONATIONS PAGE on her website. Your support is immensely valued and pivotal in her ongoing quest to protect New Zealand's unique ecosystems and the welfare of its inhabitants.

Thank you for standing alongside Dr. Jo Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology, in her tireless pursuit of scientific truth and the conservation of New Zealand's natural heritage.

For Donation details please visit our DONATIONS PAGE

Entries by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

A critique of the research used to justify kea poisoning

September 26, 2026/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Kea, NZ Kea, Scientific Reviews of 1080/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

J.C. Pollard, 30 August 2026. A critique of the radiotelemetry, nest monitoring and 2018 nest-survival study used to justify aerial 1080 poisoning of kea.

Report on killing wildlife to control bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand

September 26, 2026/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Scientific Reviews of 1080/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

December 2025 report by J. Pollard on possum-focused control of bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand, with recommendations on independent review, surveillance methods and policy.

Towards Ethical and Effective Conservation of New Zealand’s Natural Heritage

September 26, 2026/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Scientific Reviews of 1080/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

Peer-reviewed paper by Joanna C. Pollard in the journal Conservation, 3 September 2025, on shifting New Zealand conservation from aerial poisoning to targeted, humane management.

Hunters and Conservation

August 8, 2026/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Scientific Reviews of 1080/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

New Zealand’s ecology has been profoundly altered by human settlement, habitat loss and introduced species. This article argues that effective conservation must begin with protecting habitat, understanding ecological relationships and using evidence-based management. It also examines the growing role of hunters in practical conservation, including wildlife monitoring, population management, track maintenance, pest control and the sustainable use of wild animal resources.

Managing Wild Animal Populations Without the Cruelty of 1080

August 8, 2026/in Frontpage Article, Press Releases/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

Scientist Dr Pollard calls for an end to the use of 1080 poison and a shift toward humane, science-based management of wild animal populations. She argues that targeted hunting, ecological monitoring and treating introduced animals as valuable resources can provide a more humane approach to conservation.

DOC Response to OIA Request on 1080 Poison Use and Karoro Deaths

January 12, 2025/in Frontpage Article, Press Releases/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

Tragedy: 550 black-backed gulls accidentally poisoned in Ōkārito, West Coast during predator elimination project. DOC acknowledges the incident and commits to improving future risk assessments.

Reforming Resource Management in New Zealand: A Call for Balanced Governance

January 12, 2025/in Frontpage Article, Scientific Reviews of 1080/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

This report explores the challenges of balancing conservation and economic development under New Zealand’s Resource Management Act. It outlines proposed reforms to ensure transparent governance and better management of Crown lands for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

In-depth Response: Independent Scientist, Jo Pollard, Debunks OSPRI’s Claim that a 10-Year Study Proves Forests Remain Vibrant Despite 1080 Poison Usage!

September 19, 2023/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Press Releases/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

According to OSPRI, the organisation responsible for controlling bovine Tb, 10 years of research have demonstrated “that 1080 can be used to control pests without harming native birds” (Media release, 1/8/23).

Luxon’s Policy on Wildlife

September 18, 2023/in Frontpage Article, Press Releases/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

The National Party openly admits that its new policy to manage wild pigs and selected other animals as game, not pests, aims to win hunters’ votes.

DoC’s Poisoning is Illegal – the Ulva Island Example

July 30, 2023/in 1080 posion, Frontpage Article, Press Releases/by Dr J.C. Pollard, BSc (Hons), PhD, Zoology

Scientist Dr. Jo Pollard says DOC’s actions are negligent since previous DOC poisoning drops on the island, had devastating effects with several native bird species being slashed in numbers.