Caught in the headlights: New Zealanders' reflections on possums, control options and genetic engineering
1 October 2000
This investigation, undertaken in association with Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and AgResearch, explores the range of perceptions, views and values of the New Zealand public about the use of biocontrol methods to control possums. The study developed from New Zealand's experiences with the rabbit haemorrhagic virus-disease (a rabbit biocontrol), and the fact that most of the methods currently being researched by the Crown Research Institutes for possum biocontrol involve genetic engineering. The establishment of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification occurred mid-way through this project.