In 2017, a group of Wellingtonians got together with a bold goal: to eradicate pests on the Miramar peninsula to prove that it could be done. Stemming from the nationwide "Predator Free 2050" initiative, and with funding from Wellington councils and the Next Foundation - Predator Free Wellington was born. It quickly caught the imagination of households and community groups who rallied around the common goal of eliminating rats, stoats, weasles, and possums. The goal was achieved in six years, and now PFW has expanded to nearby areas.
But the government is withdrawing support for Predator Free 2050 and shifting responsibility back to the Department of Conservation, meaning Predator Free Wellington will have a growing financial shortfall. James Willcocks is the Project leader for Predator Free Wellington - and he's on a mission to take the concept much bigger than Wellington. He's just back from the four yearly World Conservation Congress, held in Dubai this time, and says Predator Free Wellington was recognised for being world-leading human-centred conservation in action.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
