The government has committed $9.7 million to controlling and eradicating wild goats and deer across four years, funded from the international visitor levy.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the programme targets infested country where pests are spilling off DOC land onto neighbouring farms, about 14% of the estate.

“These are some of the most pristine parts of the country that have just been inundated,” he says.

DOC will contract operators to work alongside farmers rather than ‘send its staff out with guns’.

“Everyone who owns the land in that catchment has to be on board with the same program.”

He says the funding accelerates work already under way.

“Now is good, tomorrow’s okay, but next year is too far away.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.