The New Zealand Government has announced a $14.1 million investment to expand predator control efforts and protect threatened native wildlife across the South Island. The funding, provided through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, will support large-scale conservation work led by the Department of Conservation.
The investment comes as South Island beech forests experience a major seed fall, creating conditions that can increase rat and stoat populations. These predators pose a serious threat to native birds, bats and other vulnerable species by increasing pressure on already fragile ecosystems.
The expanded predator control programme will focus on important conservation areas including Kahurangi, Arthur’s Pass, Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, along with key valleys on the West Coast. More than 360,000 hectares of land will receive targeted predator management to protect biodiversity.
The initiative aims to safeguard unique native species such as mohua, kākāriki karaka, rock wren, bats, whio, kea and kiwi. These species are found only in New Zealand and are considered an important part of the country’s natural heritage.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlighted that effective predator control has already helped native species recover in areas where threats from rats, possums and stoats have been reduced. Continued investment will help strengthen long-term efforts toward New Zealand’s predator-free goals.
The Department of Conservation plans to deliver its largest predator control programme yet, covering around one million hectares of public conservation land in 2026/27. The work will involve a combination of aerial control methods and trapping programmes to reduce predator pressure.
By expanding conservation efforts, New Zealand aims to protect endangered wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems and ensure future generations can continue to experience the country’s unique biodiversity.
