Predator Free 2050 is possible
Eradicating introduced predators is a massive but achievable undertaking. We’ve proved time and time again that we can achieve the 'impossible' for nature when we have dedicated communities, strong investment and a focus on science and innovation.
In just one human lifetime, achieving predator-free islands, sanctuaries and urban areas moved from impossible to possible.
What New Zealand has achieved so far
Our strategy sets the path
We’ve got a strategy for the next five years that will drive science and innovation, empower New Zealanders and maintain important refuges for threatened species.
It will prepare us to accelerate and achieve nationwide eradication in the future.
Strategy: 2026–2030
The latest Predator Free 2050 Strategy was launched in March 2026.
It sets out New Zealand’s plan to eradicate our most damaging introduced predators – rats, mustelids, possums and now feral cats – so native species and ecosystems can thrive again.
Focus areas
The strategy lays out four key focus areas. Within each focus area, we have indicator goals that track and measure our progress.
Focus areas of the Predator Free 2050 strategy
Image: DOC
Mobilise for action
Inspire and empower New Zealanders and communities to take action towards achieving Predator Free 2050.
Maintain the gains
Maintain predator-free areas and continue suppression efforts to protect threatened species, while supporting community-led groups to sustain their work.
Innovate for eradication
Advance affordable, humane and socially acceptable tools and techniques to build a toolbox and adaptable blueprints for large-scale predator elimination across diverse landscapes.
Prepare to accelerate
Ensure that the foundations are in place to transition from local to national elimination, with clear actions, costs and benefits, and community readiness.
Action plan
The Action Plan 2026–2030 supports the strategy. It presents our 2030 goals and the priority actions needed to achieve them.
Many people and organisations are already contributing to Predator Free 2050. The Action Plan was created with input from many of those involved and will help to guide and align us.
It can also help others see ways they could get involved.
Goals for 2030
Our strategy contains five indicator goals for 2030 to track and measure our progress against. There are a further 14 goals in our Action Plan.
Achieving these 2030 goals – amplifying community action, sustaining suppression, expanding the toolbox through innovation, and building investment readiness – is the next critical step on our path to 2050.
Here’s a snapshot of our five indicator goals:
1. One in two New Zealanders are aware of Predator Free 2050
Most people think nature is thriving, but that’s not the case. Growing awareness of predator threats and the Predator Free movement is essential for building nationwide support.
When more New Zealanders understand the problem and the opportunity, it becomes easier to secure land access, strengthen biosecurity and build acceptance of the tools needed for eradication.
2. All large-scale Predator Free 2050 projects actively support the aspirations of local imi, iwi and hapū
Predator Free 2050 is a chance to strengthen partnerships between Māori and the Crown. Every large-scale project must create meaningful opportunities for mana whenua involvement and leadership.
Māori values, knowledge and stewardship are central to this kaupapa. The long-term success of Predator Free 2050 depends on active support from hundreds of hapū and iwi across the motu.
3. Populations of threatened species are maintained and increased through predator suppression
While new technologies are being developed, predator suppression remains vital to protecting threatened native species. Suppression keeps species safe now while Aotearoa prepares for larger-scale elimination.
This work is powered by community groups, volunteers, regional councils and DOC’s National Predator Control Programme, which protects 20% of public conservation land.
4. The ability to defend predator-free areas against reinvasion is faster and more cost effective
As predator-free areas grow, we must be able to detect and respond to reinvading predators quickly.
Advances in detection, surveillance and boundary defence will help prevent predators from re-establishing and ensure eradicated areas stay predator-free. These improvements are essential for expanding predator-free zones across the country.
5. One New Zealand city is free of predators
Eliminating predators in a city is ambitious but achieving it will prove that urban environments can be successfully cleared and defended.
A predator-free city will create a blueprint that other towns and cities can follow and bring native wildlife back into everyday neighbourhoods. It will help more New Zealanders see and feel the benefits of a predator-free future.