The government estimates the cost of introduced species to the New Zealand economy and primary sector to be NZ$3.3bn (£1.76bn) a year. The New Zealand government has announced a “world-first” project to make the nation predator free by 2050. “Even the intention of making New Zealand predator free is hugely significant and now it has money and the government behind it I believe it is possible, I am actually very excited,” said Clout. “Our ambition is that by 2050 every single part of New Zealand will be completely free of rats, stoats and possums,” said Key in a statement. The government has just come on board but many groups around New Zealand have been working towards being predator-free for years.”“New Zealand is a world-leader in eradicating rats from the landscape.

Source: The Guardian July 25, 2016 06:56 UTC