Killing New Zealand's most venomous spider could now earn culprits jail time or a $100,000 fine under changes to the law.Seriously. Killing bugs and spiders is now illegal? What planet is this National Government on? And what religion is Kate Wilkinson following - Buddhism? Because it certainly looks like it. Just not as obviously as the NZ Police are.
Giant weta, some weevils and beetles have also been given complete protection for the first time, but conservation advocates say the changes do not lessen the main threats to native species.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced changes to the protection status of more than 50 species yesterday. "Whether they are weevils, wetas or beetles they deserve an appropriate level of protection." Under changes to the Wildlife Act, katipo spiders go from not being protected to having "absolute protection", as the kereru and kiwi have.
Related link: Don't squash the katipo - or you'll be off to prison