A Bold Dream Gets A Cut As Predator Free 2050 Ltd Is Disestablished
The environmental sector worries that the future of a predator-free Aotearoa is in jeopardy after the Government swung the axe in the latest budget.
It was billed as a 'moonshot' for New Zealand's environment - a bold, world-leading goal launched by Sir John Key in 2016, aimed at eradicating rats, possums and stoats from our islands by 2050.
The vision has been clear - bring back birdsong to every valley, protect the flightless kiwi, and restore what once thrived.
But today, the future of Predator Free 2050 looks uncertain.
Predator Free 2050 Ltd, the Crown-owned company established to drive and fund large-scale eradication and breakthrough science, is now being disestablished, as announced as part of Budget 2025.
Funding for the company will cease by the end of the year, with its responsibilities shifted to the Department of Conservation (DOC), which the government says will reduce duplication, increase efficiency and save about $12 million.
"People are now worried for this programme," Newsroom environment editor David Williams tells The Detail.
"They say without ongoing funding, we will not only not go forward, but we will go backwards. This programme needs funding, and that's up to the government."
The government insists the broader goal of predator eradication remains.
But Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, chief executive of WWF New Zealand, is not entirely convinced.
"New Zealanders believe in the Predator Free 2050 dream, and we want the government to get behind them too. But I'm not sure this will happen.
"I've not been seeing a lot of enthusiasm for environmental outcomes from this government, full stop. We describe the government's policy agenda as a war on nature, and I think it is disappointing that a previous National government got so strongly behind this moonshot objective, and this government does not seem to care so much."
Both Williams and Kingdon-Bebb say the country has "overwhelmingly" backed the Predator Free 2050 initiative, allowing it to "come a long way, in a relatively short time".
Already, predator-elimination projects cover more than 800,000 hectares.
"This is a big amount of land," says Williams. "And the goal is big ... but they have done well.
"They also said they wanted to fund scientific research, and 15 or 20 projects have already had money to try and sort this problem out.
"A lot of community groups have latched on to this - someone said to me that this is the one conservation project that has captured the imagination of New Zealanders more than any other."
Kingdon-Bebb agrees.
"It has certainly captured the hearts and minds like nothing else," she says. "We have seen an explosion of community trapping groups and landscape-scale projects over the last nine years, which has been amazing ... now I feel the government is taking its foot off the pedal.
"What is apparent is that the government has had a look at the delivery model of the programme as a whole, which is complex.
"So, if it is the case that the government has reviewed it and determined that a crown-owned corporation is not the best delivery methodology, I can accept that.
"DOC has a lot of capability ... and perhaps it is appropriate for DOC to be coordinating this work, perhaps there was duplication of roles and functions and costs.
"But where I would be concerned is that in the wider scale of what has happened in the last two budgets, the Department of Conservation will see, in total, about 300 million dollars in savings exacted from it.
"So, it does beg the question whether a very stretched department can pick up the leadership of this initiative in a way we would want to see it done."
Critics say that move will slow momentum, bury innovation under bureaucracy and confuse local projects already stretched thin.
They also argue that across the country, hundreds of predator-free community groups, many driven by volunteers, will be left wondering what support will look like without the company's funding, research backing and strategic oversight.
But the government insists the predator-free projects and contracts funded by the company are not affected and it is committed to the predator-free 2050 goal.
Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
38 minutes ago
- Otago Daily Times
US attack on Iran will worsen conflict: prof
The United States attacks on three principal nuclear sites in Iran will likely worsen conflict in the Middle-East, the University of Otago's leading international relations academic says. It comes after US President Donald Trump confirmed yesterday that US forces struck Iran's three principal nuclear sites: Natanz, Esfahan and Fordow — six bunker buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites. University of Otago international relations Professor Robert Patman said that it would be naive to assume this attack would lead to any wind-down of the conflict. "I think it's reflective of the fact that Mr Trump and his administration are living in something of a bubble. "The idea that Iran is going to roll over after being hit by six bunker buster bombs and about 30 cruise missiles I think is fantasy. "I think this whole operation is based on a very shaky operating assumption that you can eliminate the threat by bombing it away." Prof Patman said Iran, over the years, had "never said it wants nuclear weapons". "It says it wants what many other countries have, which is a civilian nuclear energy generation capacity." Mr Trump was dealing with a "crisis of his own making". "He had a perfectly workable deal called the US-Iran nuclear deal, which was negotiated by the Obama administration, but Mr Trump proceeded to walk away from that — and of course, Iran no longer felt bound by its terms." Iran had the knowledge to reconstruct its nuclear capability if it so desired, Prof Patman said. "We have knowledge that most of the material at these sites was evacuated sometime ago. "So have the US just used very expensive bombs to little effect? "We don't know," he said. "I think many Middle Eastern countries will be pretty upset with Mr Trump because this could become a region-wide conflict now, particularly if the Iranian leadership decide they're going to make his life very difficult by targeting American personnel and interests." Prof Patman called the strikes against Iran "likely illegal". "Iran has said repeatedly that it is a victim in this situation. It's not the aggressor. "As the victim, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, it's got the right of self-defence," he said. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins said yesterday the government was pursuing all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel. As part of government efforts to pursue all options for assisting New Zealanders in harm's way, government personnel and a C-130J Hercules aircraft are being deployed to the Middle East and will stand ready to assist if needed. The government was also in discussion with commercial airlines to assess how they may be able to assist. The situation in the Middle East was "fast-moving" and it will take several days for the C-130J Hercules, scheduled to leave Auckland today, to reach the region, they said. Mr Peters called for "diplomacy", saying that would be the path to peace in the Middle East — not further "military action". There were estimated to be about 50 New Zealanders in Iran and 80 in Israel, he said. Last week, the last remaining New Zealand diplomats in Iran fled the country after the government made repeated calls for New Zealanders to stay out of Iran. Meanwhile, all New Zealanders in the Middle East — not just in Iran and Israel — were urged to register on SafeTravel. Prof Patman said while these initiatives were good and necessary, New Zealand could be doing far more on a world stage. "New Zealand has got an international reputation for, first of all, wanting the abolition of nuclear weapons, but also for pursuing its own non-nuclear security policy. "This US attack on Iran, in my view, is a reckless and illegal act — it's likely to make the world less secure rather than more secure. "It's time for New Zealand to press for the reform of the UN Security Council. "The UN Security Council should not be a bystander because one of its key members is breaking international law."
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Scoop
Don't Steal The Super South's Last Govt Head Office
Press Release – Dr Colin Meurk ONZM Unless the South Island leaders stand up to be heard on this issue now, the govt will get away with further undermining balanced and shared regional development that is resilient and supports meaningful, respectful nationhood, says Dr Colin Meurk … 'Time is running out.' That from one of Aotearoa's leading ecologists and environmental academics, Dr Colin Meurk ONZM. Dr Meurk has written to MPs, iwi contacts, academics, and local Councillors, highlighting dire consequences of losing the last Government head offices to the North Island. 'In mid-March, Government announced that the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) will be amalgamated into three new Public Research Organisations (PROs) by early October. It's clear that there's lobbying to get the head offices located in the 'golden triangle' (Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton). This seems to be confirmed by an evasive answer to a recent question at Parliament during Scrutiny Week, related to where the headquarters will be,' he says. The amalgamation of Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Plant & Food, Scion and AgResearch into the so-called Bioeconomy PRO, officially commences on July 1st. Currently, the head offices of Manaaki Whenua and AgResearch are located in Lincoln near Christchurch, but the CEOs of those organisations and other Government science advisors all reside in the North Island. 'Removing our last head offices is just not on and would be a symbolic kick in the guts for the South Island,' says Dr Meurk. 'Te Waipounamu is thriving and a key part of the national representation of bioscience and agriculture. Not having a head office here in the South will negatively affect our status, voice, career pathways, and importance as well as the strength and resilience of the overall sector, nationally, not to mention the administrative funding into the local economy which will be shredded from local offices of the new PRO.' Dr Meurk says that it's misguided for a Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti, to state that the amalgamation is designed to 'maximise the value of Government funding and drive economic growth'. Business as usual is almost certainly unfit for looming crises that will demand critical, multi-lensed, outside-the-square science and innovation. 'I see this as continued hollowing out of the South Island,' he says. 'The south is experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity, yet government is failing to grasp the opportunities in our unique public research sector and leadership that is already well-established at Lincoln and the wider region. Climate and geo-tectonic risk, especially up north, demands government infrastructure be regionally spread; we must not put all our governance eggs in one basket.' 'Our Prime Minister is in China right now promoting Aotearoa as a place for students including agricultural students, to study. It seems totally counter-intuitive that the last head office here should be disconnected from the centre of New Zealand's agricultural and tourism enterprise, and our affordable living,' says Meurk. 'I'm somewhat surprised that South Island leaders have not voiced more concern. Unless they stand up to be heard on this issue now, the government will get away with further undermining balanced and shared regional development that is resilient and supports meaningful, respectful nationhood,' he says. Dr Meurk ONZM is standing in the 2025 local body elections for Environment Canterbury in Ōpuna – Christchurch West Additional Over the past 33 years, the South Island had at least two central Government Head Offices (HO) – for Crop & Food and Landcare Research CRIs. A decade or so ago, Crop & Food was amalgamated with Hort Research to form Plant & Food, and their head office was moved to Hamilton/Auckland. Meanwhile, AgResearch's head office was moved to Lincoln. In mid-March the Government announced that the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) will amalgamate four Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) to form three new and more focused Public Research Organisations (PROs) in early October. Legislation to formally establish the PROs will follow in 2026. There are plans underway to locate the head office to Hamilton, likely supported by Plant & Food, the CEO of Landcare Research, the interim chief of the PRO, and Sir Peter Gluckman (key Science advisor to Government) who are all based in the North Island. 'The cards are stacked to further hollow out the South unless concerted joint pressure is exerted by Councils and Iwi of the South.' Colin Meurk Lincoln University This unique University has experienced significant growth in student numbers over the past few years. In 2025, Lincoln is ranked within the top 25% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings. Specific numbers for qualifications conferred show a 22% increase in 2025, with 1,613 qualifications conferred compared to 1,320 in 2024. In 2024, numbers exceeded 5,000 students for the first time. This was a 21% increase in student headcount in 2024 compared to 2023. The university's strong performance is attributed to a robust portfolio of relevant research. Research Income: External research income has increased, rising by 8% to $35 million. Factors Contributing to Growth: Lincoln University's growth is linked to its focus on land-based and environmental subjects, strong industry connections, and high graduate employment rates, which are currently at 84%, according to The Press. Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards has said that the strong growth signals Lincoln University's increasing influence in shaping the future of the land-based sectors in Aotearoa and globally. Canterbury University In the top 1% of world universities. Student numbers approaching 25 000 and upsurge in overseas students.
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Scoop
Don't Steal The Super South's Last Govt Head Office
'Time is running out.' That from one of Aotearoa's leading ecologists and environmental academics, Dr Colin Meurk ONZM. Dr Meurk has written to MPs, iwi contacts, academics, and local Councillors, highlighting dire consequences of losing the last Government head offices to the North Island. 'In mid-March, Government announced that the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) will be amalgamated into three new Public Research Organisations (PROs) by early October. It's clear that there's lobbying to get the head offices located in the 'golden triangle' (Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton). This seems to be confirmed by an evasive answer to a recent question at Parliament during Scrutiny Week, related to where the headquarters will be,' he says. The amalgamation of Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Plant & Food, Scion and AgResearch into the so-called Bioeconomy PRO, officially commences on July 1st. Currently, the head offices of Manaaki Whenua and AgResearch are located in Lincoln near Christchurch, but the CEOs of those organisations and other Government science advisors all reside in the North Island. 'Removing our last head offices is just not on and would be a symbolic kick in the guts for the South Island,' says Dr Meurk. 'Te Waipounamu is thriving and a key part of the national representation of bioscience and agriculture. Not having a head office here in the South will negatively affect our status, voice, career pathways, and importance as well as the strength and resilience of the overall sector, nationally, not to mention the administrative funding into the local economy which will be shredded from local offices of the new PRO.' Dr Meurk says that it's misguided for a Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti, to state that the amalgamation is designed to 'maximise the value of Government funding and drive economic growth'. Business as usual is almost certainly unfit for looming crises that will demand critical, multi-lensed, outside-the-square science and innovation. 'I see this as continued hollowing out of the South Island,' he says. 'The south is experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity, yet government is failing to grasp the opportunities in our unique public research sector and leadership that is already well-established at Lincoln and the wider region. Climate and geo-tectonic risk, especially up north, demands government infrastructure be regionally spread; we must not put all our governance eggs in one basket.' 'Our Prime Minister is in China right now promoting Aotearoa as a place for students including agricultural students, to study. It seems totally counter-intuitive that the last head office here should be disconnected from the centre of New Zealand's agricultural and tourism enterprise, and our affordable living,' says Meurk. 'I'm somewhat surprised that South Island leaders have not voiced more concern. Unless they stand up to be heard on this issue now, the government will get away with further undermining balanced and shared regional development that is resilient and supports meaningful, respectful nationhood,' he says. Dr Meurk ONZM is standing in the 2025 local body elections for Environment Canterbury in Ōpuna – Christchurch West Additional Over the past 33 years, the South Island had at least two central Government Head Offices (HO) – for Crop & Food and Landcare Research CRIs. A decade or so ago, Crop & Food was amalgamated with Hort Research to form Plant & Food, and their head office was moved to Hamilton/Auckland. Meanwhile, AgResearch's head office was moved to Lincoln. In mid-March the Government announced that the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) will amalgamate four Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) to form three new and more focused Public Research Organisations (PROs) in early October. Legislation to formally establish the PROs will follow in 2026. There are plans underway to locate the head office to Hamilton, likely supported by Plant & Food, the CEO of Landcare Research, the interim chief of the PRO, and Sir Peter Gluckman (key Science advisor to Government) who are all based in the North Island. 'The cards are stacked to further hollow out the South unless concerted joint pressure is exerted by Councils and Iwi of the South.' Colin Meurk References Lincoln University This unique University has experienced significant growth in student numbers over the past few years. In 2025, Lincoln is ranked within the top 25% of universities globally in the QS World University Rankings. Specific numbers for qualifications conferred show a 22% increase in 2025, with 1,613 qualifications conferred compared to 1,320 in 2024. In 2024, numbers exceeded 5,000 students for the first time. This was a 21% increase in student headcount in 2024 compared to 2023. The university's strong performance is attributed to a robust portfolio of relevant research. Research Income: External research income has increased, rising by 8% to $35 million. Factors Contributing to Growth: Lincoln University's growth is linked to its focus on land-based and environmental subjects, strong industry connections, and high graduate employment rates, which are currently at 84%, according to The Press. Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards has said that the strong growth signals Lincoln University's increasing influence in shaping the future of the land-based sectors in Aotearoa and globally. Canterbury University In the top 1% of world universities. Student numbers approaching 25 000 and upsurge in overseas students.
