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