New Predator Free funds for regions and new technologies

Predator Free 2050 Limited has initiated a second funding round to support predator eradication in regional New Zealand and fast track the production of improved predator control tools and technologies.

The government-owned company was set up in 2016 to support the goal of ridding New Zealand of rats, possums and stoats by 2050. Last year it launched large landscape predator eradication projects in Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Waiheke and Dunedin, and has two more under negotiation.

With Provincial Growth Fund-backing, Predator Free 2050 Limited will initiate new projects selected in the fund’s provincial surge regions (Northland, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū- Whanganui and the West Coast).

Chief Executive Ed Chignell said Predator Free 2050 Limited would look for projects with strong council, iwi, primary industry and community backing.

“We are seeking ambitious proposals from groups that want to completely and permanently remove predators from forested and rural areas and which deliver outcomes that contribute to regional development.

“Restoring areas where native wildlife can thrive helps build communities, creates jobs and opens up new, tourism-related business opportunities.”

Around $12m is available for surge region projects and Predator Free 2050 Limited expects that two or three large landscape projects will receive funding following an expression of interest process beginning today.

The company has also set up a new Products to Projects Fund with $6.5m available to inventors, developers and manufacturers who can deliver new and improved products for field use within three years.

“We want to fast track the availability of improved traps, lures, surveillance and remote monitoring equipment so projects can eradicate predators and safeguard recovering wildlife from reinvasion.”

Information about the selection process and criteria for funding is available on the Predator Free 2050 Limited website - https://pf2050.co.nz/opportunities-for-funding/

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