The Graf Boys

On the 22nd of August, 2014, 32,000 kilos of 1080 poison bait was cast across Mt Pirongia, near Hamilton. It was enough poison to kill 240,000 people, almost twice the population of Hamilton... A previous 2007 drop across the mountain was "hailed a success" by Waikato Regional Council, despite farmers raising concern about contamination, including to drinking water. The New Zealand manufacturer's (owned by NZ Govt) 1080 poison label includes the following warnings - "Ecotoxic", "Toxic to terrestrial vertebrates." "Take measures to reduce of non-target animals being exposed to the toxin either through eating the baits or by scavenging the carcasses of poisoned animals." "Harmful to aquatic organisms." "Take all practicable steps to manage any harmful effects of a spillage including preventing baits from accidentally entering streams or waterways." "This product is toxic to wildlife. Birds and mammals feeding on carcasses of contaminated animals may be fatally poisoned." "Where practicable, the exposed bodies of all poisoned animals should be collected and destroyed by complete burning or deep burial in a landfill approved for hazardous substances. Dehydrated carcasses may remain dangerous to dogs or cats for an indefinite period. A single mouse poisoned by 1080 may contain enough poison to kill an adult dog." "Take measures to minimise the chance of baits accidentally entering any body of water." And ... "Apply the product only as specified by label directions." ... Flight charts released by the Department of Conservation reveal that 1080 poison was dropped directly into most streams and catchments, including to eight of the nine known water abstraction points. Poisoned carcasses have been left to rot in the streams, and animal welfare concerns have been raised. The Department of Conservation Mt Pirongia aerial drop, breached or ignored all of these warnings ...

The Department of Conservation has begun it's "Battle for the Birds" campaign. But is the campaign simply an advocacy exercise - funded by the promoters of 1080 poison and based on anecdotal evidence and predetermined research? ...

Eleven Waikato Regional Councillors were taken on a field trip around the Waikato Region. Part of that trip involved visiting the Totara Walk - a short loop-track situated near Bennydale. The presenters, which included the Department of Conservation, implied that the impressive birdsong was as a result of aerial 1080 poisoning operations. Waikato Regional Councillor Kathy White returned with Clyde Graf to dig a little deeper ...

This red stag comes roaring in close, then gets confused when it is scared off by the sight and sound of The Graf Boys ... filmed in South Westland National Park

Dr Peter Scanlon and Dr Sean Weaver (Environmental studies - Victoria University) discuss the low-dose effects of 1080 poison. Jim Doherty discusses the effects of 1080 poison on rongoa plants (maori medicinal plants) ...

The late Mike Meads (entomologist) discusses his frustrations with the Department of Conservation's intentions, and scientific integrity ...

On Tuesday Night, the 10th of June, 2014, the northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula sustained a massive flash-flood event. In this clip, the recovery work begins, and farmers speak out ...

1080 poison is dropped from helicopters and is used to kill possums and rats. However, at times, farm stock is also killed. These farmers discuss how the 1080 industry is very creative at avoiding reporting these incidents. Department of Conservation had been asked to comment on several occasions, but declined. The full documentary can be seen by copying and pasting this link ... http://youtu.be/yQRuOj96CRs

38 cattle broke through a fence and entered a 1080 poison drop zone in the Waikato region. 2 are dead, and it is unknown how many others may be poisoned. The question that remains is - What will happen to the other 36 animals - will they be culled or will they stay in the foodchain? Farmer Chris Barker speaks about the incident ...

1080 poison is dropped by helicopters directly into New Zealand forests and streams to kill possums and rats. This short video clip gives an introduction on what 1080 actually is...

In New Zealand, 1080 poison is dropped by helicopters directly into forests and streams to kill possums and rats. However, the poison also kills 1000's of deer, pigs, birds, stock and pets, every year ...

The red stag comes in fast after we respond to his roar. Turn up the sound - the crashing as he comes in is impressive ...

Rangi takes a tongue-in-cheek poke at The Graf Boys as they search for the elusive kiwi on Stewart Island ...

A photo essay about New Zealand's struggle with maintaining its Clean and Green image. Backing music by Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms ...

The Rangitikei River holds some of New Zealand's biggest brown and rainbow trout. In this clip we fly into the Kaimanawa Forest Park. We're lucky to be guided by Mike Stent from the Taupo branch of Hunting & Fishing NZ. Three days fishing the trout that cruise the majestic Rangitikei River - no better place to be ...

In this clip Steve Graf uses his experience (butchered 1000's of deer as a venison butcher for Venex - New Zealand) to show you a great way of butchering your deer, in the bush.

In this final episode, watch some great footage of wild Fiordland stags, up close and angry. Some nice morepork and kaka footage, too ...

This New Zealand film has won 4 international environmental awards - but here in NZ, TV channels refuse to play it. Why? Because if they did, there would be outrage and riots over New Zealand's use of aerially applied 1080 poison. See for yourself ...

The Graf Boys take on the awesome Fiordland ranges to tackle the Roaring Reds of the Rugged South ...

For many years the users of 1080 poison in New Zealand (Department of Conservation, Animal Health Board, and regional councils) have claimed that it is humane. In this clip we witness the effects of 1080 poison upon animals - the justifications of the users tend to fade away ...

Roaring Reds of the Rugged South is filmed mostly around Fiordland. This clip features wild stags from the magnificent Hollyford Valley, and other surrounding areas. There are 4 episodes in the series.

Roaring Reds of the Rugged South is filmed mostly around Fiordland. This clip features wild stags from the magnificent Hollyford Valley, and other surrounding areas. There are 4 episodes in the series.

A short introduction to the outdoors-wildlife TV series, by The Graf Boys

Intro to The Graf Boys new tv series - Wild Weekend Adventures - Hi Res

The Waikato Regional Council aerially poisoned the Paeroa Range - a small, farm surrounded block, with four-wheel drive access - with the deadly pesticide / insecticide 1080 poison. Graeme Hancock objected to the drop, and says his family was bullied into accepting it ...