To: Hon Eugenie Sage, Minister of Conservation
Date: 6 May 2020
At the Authority’s April 2020 meeting, you spoke of the potential employment opportunities in nature-based jobs, specifically in the context of pest control work. You requested that Authority members provide advice on the criteria that should be considered in identifying priority areas to focus Predator Free efforts.
The Authority have identified the need to explore priority areas through both environmental and human-centred criterion. In an environmental context, the Authority recommends that consideration be given to large areas where predator free efforts are feasible, defensible, and would result in significant, sustainable biodiversity benefits. Examples of this are:
In addition, regions that face the greatest threats to threatened species, and that provide corridor opportunities for predator free areas, should be considered.
The post COVID-19 context also requires a human-centred approach, where a focus on maximising employment opportunity and wellbeing must be considered. The Authority recommends further priority should be given to inhabited, defensible areas where significant numbers of people could be motivated to participate in pest control. Additionally, there is opportunity for partnership development, achieved through a focus on iwi priority areas, and engagement with community and organisational hubs.
This is an opportunity to strive with vigour and purpose towards our Predator Free 2050
goal, and one that must not be missed. A unique opportunity to promote conservation within
the economic conversation is upon us.
No reira
E noho ora mai
Edward Ellison ONZM
Chairperson NZCA