He says the introduction of pests such as stoats, rats and possums cost the economy and primary sector around $3.3 billion a year.
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The government of New Zealand has announced plans to make the country “predator free” by 2050.
“New Zealand’s unique native creatures and plants are central to our national identity”.
The prime minister says the three species – which are only found in New Zealand through human agency, some having arrived on trading ships, for instance – kill 25 million native birds a year and also prey on ground species such as lizards.
“Now is the time for a concerted long-term nationwide effort to rid ourselves of the introduced rats, stoats and possums that have placed so much of our natural heritage in jeopardy”.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said it would be essential also to continue using 1080 poison, the controversial primary method of pest control used by the Department of Conservation to poison rats, mice, stoats, ferrets, possums and other introduced predators destroying New Zealand’s native bush and fauna.
Under the strategy the new government company, Predator Free New Zealand Limited, will sponsor community partnerships and pest eradication efforts around the country.
Announcing the initiative in Wellington today, Key said New Zealand led the world on many environmental indicators, but could still improve on biodiversity.
Newshub: Govt wants NZ pest-free by 2050NZ Herald: ‘Predator free’ by 2050?
Predator Free New Zealand would be responsible for identifying large, high-value predator control projects and attracting co-investors to boost their scale and success.
Key acknowledged the goal would only be achieved with scientific advances.
“The only promise is that the Government will “look” to contribute one dollar for every two dollars from councils and the private sector”.
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“These are ambitious targets in themselves, but ones that we are capable of reaching if we work together”, Ms Barry says.
