Predator Free - Hawke's BayKonihi Kore 2050 - Te Matau-a-Māui

What is Predator Free Hawke’s Bay?

In July 2018, the Predator Free Hawke’s Bay team announced plans to get behind the country’s goal to become Predator Free by 2050. The $4.86 million project,  known at Whakatipu Māhia, focuses on removing possums from 14,500 hectares of land on Māhia Peninsula. The knowledge gained in Māhia will be used to develop a low-cost farmland control and eradication model applicable to other areas of the region and New Zealand.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is investing $1.17 million in the project. Other funding partners are the Department of Conservation, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and Predator Free 2050 Ltd.

Check out the Predator Free Hawke's Bay website to learn more about the projects.

Predator Free Hawke's Bay website

Building on Existing Success

The Predator Free Hawke’s Bay project builds on the success of the Poutiri Ao ō Tāne and Cape to City ecological restoration projects. Poutiri Ao ō Tāne and Cape to City have previously tackled predator control and plant and wildlife restoration across Hawke’s Bay.

The new funding builds on these two existing projects, enabling an expansion of effort to the Māhia Peninsula. The focus is on a possum-free Māhia, incorporating the use of wireless trap technology, and learning to enable a pathway to eradication.

Find out more about the project in our video.

What does the Predator Free Hawke’s Bay project aim to achieve?

The project is the first phase in achieving a Predator Free Hawke’s Bay. The knowledge gained in Māhia will be rolled out across Hawke’s Bay and wider New Zealand.

Poutiri Ao ō Tāne Project

Poutiri Ao ō Tāne is an existing large-scale ecological restoration project that began in 2011. This project (8,800ha) covers a variety of land uses and is located on the Maungaharuru Range, with Boundary Stream Mainland Island at its heart.

The vision: Kia Haruru a Maungaharuru, Kia ukiuki a Tangitu, Whakari ora a Papatuanuku. From Maunga to Moana flourishes an environment for future Generations to enjoy.

Find out more about Poutiri Ao ō Tāne

Cape to City Project

Cape to City started in 2015 and covers 26,000 ha that lies between Hastings and Cape Kidnappers, and extends southwards to include Waimarama and forest remnants at Kahuranaki.

The vision: Native species thrive where we live, work and play.

Find out more about Cape to City

More info

RNZ panel discussion - 'Predator Free NZ - dream or reality?'

Talking Point - Hawke's Bay Today - 'Push for Predator-free Hawke's Bay

Regional Council Media Release - 3 July 2018