Why and how should we accelerate efforts to achieve Predator Free Aotearoa New Zealand by 2050? 

Aotearoa New Zealand has committed to the eradication of mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels), rats (Norway, ship and kiore), and possums from all of New Zealand by 2050. Progress has been steady but some doubt whether this is possible with decreases in conservation funding and lags in technology to achieve this goal.

Introduced predators have been eradicated in some islands and mainland fenced sites, but outside of these areas, barriers to prevent reinvasion after suppression of predators include ongoing costs, the scale and complexity of geography and ecosystems, and the need for collaboration between communities, business and government.

Progress has been made through concerted efforts, and new technologies for detection, eradication, and conservation. Are alternative strategies needed?

We asked authoritative experts, selected for their diverse experience and knowledge, to comment on this topic.

Disclaimer: The Society does not necessarily endorse any of these perspectives, or claim that this is a comprehensive representation of all possible views on this topic.