New Zealand commits $202 million to eradicate invasive mammals from three key islands

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has unveiled a $202 million ecological restoration scheme, supported by NZ$54 million of government funding, to eliminate invasive mammals from three extensive islands—Maukahuka/Auckland Island, Rakiura/Stewart Island and the Chatham archipelago. Working alongside Ngāi Tahu, the Hokotehi Moriori Trust and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, the project will remove feral cats, rats, possums, hedgehogs, pigs and mice that threaten over 100 endemic species.

Goals include re-establishing sub-antarctic megaherb landscapes, providing a future sanctuary for the rare kākāpō, and protecting seabird colonies such as the tāiko and albatrosses. The plan builds on 110 prior island pest-eradications and aligns with the national Predator-Free 2050 ambition. By restoring predator-free islands, scientists expect up to a 50 % rise in fish biomass and faster recovery of marine habitats. If successful, the initiative will reinforce New Zealand’s reputation for large-scale biodiversity restoration.