Our strategy sets the direction

We have a strategy for the next five years that will drive science and innovation, empower New Zealanders and maintain important refuges for threatened species.

It prepares us for nationwide eradication in the future.

Focus areas

The strategy includes four key focus areas. Each focus area includes goals to measure our progress.  

Focus areas of the Predator Free 2050 strategy
Image: DOC

Mobilise for action

Inspire and support New Zealanders and communities to take action toward Predator Free 2050. 

Maintain the gains

Maintain predator-free areas and continue suppression efforts to protect threatened species. Support community-led groups to continue their work.  

Innovate for eradication

Develop affordable, humane and socially acceptable tools and techniques to remove predators. Build practical approaches for large-scale predator elimination across diverse landscapes.  

Prepare to accelerate

Put the foundations in place to transition from local to national elimination. Define clear actions, costs, benefits and community readiness.  

Action plan

The Action Plan 2026–2030 supports the strategy. It sets out our 2030 goals and the key actions needed to achieve them.  

Many people and organisations are already working toward Predator Free 2050. The Action Plan was developed with input from many of those involved. It will help to guide and align us.

It also shows how others can get involved.

Read our Action Plan

Goals for 2030

Our strategy contains five indicator goals for 2030 to track progress. There are 14 more goals in the Action Plan.

The 2030 goals focus on community action, sustaining suppression, expanding the toolbox through innovation and building investment readiness. Achieving them is the next key step toward 2050.  

Here’s a snapshot of our five indicator goals:

1. One in two New Zealanders are aware of Predator Free 2050 

Many people think nature is thriving, but it's not. Raising awareness of predator threats and the Predator Free movement is key to building nationwide support.

When more people understand the problem and the opportunity, it becomes easier to secure land access and strengthen biosecurity. It also helps 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 project must create meaningful opportunities for mana whenua involvement and leadership.

Māori values, knowledge and stewardship are central to this kaupapa. Long-term success depends on active support from hundreds of hapū and iwi across the country.  

3. Populations of threatened species are maintained and increased through predator suppression  

While new tools are developed, predator suppression remains vital to protecting threatened native species. Suppression protects species now while we prepare for larger-scale elimination.

This work is supported by community groups, volunteers, regional councils and DOC’s National Predator Control Programme. This programme 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.

Better detection monitoring tools will help stop predators from re-establishing. This helps keep areas predator-free. These improvements are key to expanding predator-free zones across the country.  

5. One New Zealand city is free of predators  

Removing predators from a city is ambitious but possible. Success will show that cities can be cleared and defended.

A predator-free city will provide a model for other towns and cities. It will bring native wildlife back into everyday neighbourhoods. It will help more people see and experience the benefits of a predator-free future.