THE VISION

Our vision for a Pest Free Banks Penisula (Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū)is…

Our native plants, birds, animals and insects are flourishing on Banks Peninsula, free from the threats of introduced animal pests.
The forests are thriving and filled with birdsong.
Native lizards and invertebrates are prolific in the native scrublands and rocky outcrops.
Seabirds nest safely in the coastal areas. Species that were previously locally extinct have now been re-introduced and are growing in numbers.

The abundance of native wildlife provides a sense of identity to the Peninsula.
It is valued by the community and integrated with farming, tourism and recreational activity.
It is known as a special place to live and attracts many local and international visitors.
It is renowned as an exemplar of habitat restoration.

Our Objectives…

Goal 1: To progressively eliminate mammalian pests from Banks Peninsula (including the Port Hills) and Kaitōrete, while continuing to protect existing biodiversity.

Objective 1: Eradicate feral goats from the Peninsula by 2024 and develop a control programme for feral pigs.

Objective 2: Eliminate possums from the Extended Wildside by 2026 whilst also suppressing stoats and feral cats.

Objective 3: Commence expansion of Extended Wildside elimination programme by 2026.

Objective 4: At least 3000 households participate in backyard trapping on the Port Hills by 2025.

Objective 5: Possum, rat, feral cat, hedgehog and mustelid populations are reduced to low levels in 1,000ha of the southern Port Hills biodiversity hub by 2024.

Objective 6: Eliminate possums, mustelids, hedgehogs and feral cats from Kaitōrete by 2025.

Objective 7: Develop programmes to support community and landowner efforts through targeted planning and advice.