Episode 39 – What will it take to be predator free?

With a goal of Predator Free 2050, it can seem ambitious with only 25 years to go. Is it a fantasy, or can it become our reality? In this episode we catch up with different groups working to tackle pests and weeds across New Zealand, from animals like ferrets, goats and possums, to weeds like wilding conifers. 

Guests include:

1. Pete Oswald, Project Manager, Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group
2. Mike Perry, Manager, DOC’s National Wild Animals Management Programme
3. Professor James Ross, Wildlife Management, Lincoln University

Hosts:

1. Rebecca Greaves, Editor, Country-Wide
2. Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Managing Director, CountryWide Media
3. Jo Grigg, Reporter, Country-Wide

Pete Oswald, skier and entrepreneur by trade, and self-titled passionate environmentalist, has been project manager for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for 18 months. He discusses the impact of funding issues, and what this means for effectively tackling wild weeds in New Zealand. 

Mike Perry has been the Manager of DOC’s new National Wild Animals Management Programme for two years, having spent 10 years with them already, and working in the bush and backcountry for over 20 years. He discusses the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition that is back for 2024, and encourages those who farm and hunt to either enter or sign up to the new landowner category. 

Keen to get involved? Find out more here.

Professor James Ross of Lincoln University discusses whether Predator Free 2050 is a reality or a fantasy, and how replicating what has been done on our uninhabited islands to tackle pest problems can be used on the mainland to achieve the same outcome. He discusses the projects he’s worked on, and what technology we need to meet our goals. 

Read more in Country-Wide Spring: 

• A wild weed – by Jo Grigg

Read the new Spring issue of Country-Wide Magazine here