Auckland is set to play a leading role in the next stage of New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 programme, with the Government committing $10 million to expand predator elimination efforts across the region.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Auckland Minister Simon Watts announced the funding, which will be provided over five years through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
The investment will support predator control initiatives across the Hauraki Gulf and mainland Auckland, including what is expected to be the country’s first urban mainland predator elimination project in New Zealand’s largest city.
Potaka said Auckland had already demonstrated what could be achieved when iwi, councils, conservation groups, scientists, philanthropists, volunteers and local communities worked together.
“Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau has already shown what can be achieved when Iwi, councils, communities, conservation groups, philanthropists, scientists, and volunteers work together. We are backing that success and helping take it to the next level,” he said.
He said the funding would build on existing predator-free projects and help develop new tools and techniques that could eventually be used elsewhere in New Zealand.
“This investment will enable us to launch Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau’s first urban mainland predator elimination project in our country’s largest city and build momentum behind successful predator-free initiatives already underway across the region,” Potaka said.
He said successful predator control not only benefits native wildlife and ecosystems but also strengthens community engagement and enhances visitor experiences.
Watts said the funding formed part of Predator Free 2050 commitments under The Auckland Deal, New Zealand’s first city and regional partnership agreement.
“The investment forms part of the Natural Environment and Harbour priority area under The Auckland Deal, which brings together Government, Auckland Council, Iwi and conservation partners,” he said.
“This announcement is an example of how The Auckland Deal delivers for Aucklanders. It shows that when central and local government work together, we can achieve real improvements for communities and the environment.”
The new funding builds on collaboration between the Department of Conservation, Auckland Council, iwi, the NEXT Foundation and conservation organisations already working to reduce predator populations across the region.
The announcement follows a recent $5.5 million Government investment in Predator Free Wellington and complements support for more than 20 large-scale predator-free projects and thousands of community-led conservation initiatives nationwide.
Potaka said Auckland now had an opportunity to help shape the future of Predator Free 2050 and provide a blueprint for similar projects across the country.
