I am committed to Wellington’s Predator Free Future

Our world leading conservation status is at risk due to funding issues. We must double down on our investment in Predator Free Wellington, Capital Kiwi, Zealandia and our community conservation effort. As mayor, I will not let these projects fail!

Wellington is a world leader in conservation and has a global reputation from its conservation programmes, which generate extensive local and global media and goodwill. In a global biodiversity crisis we stand out as one of the only cities in the world doing something about it.

Native birds are back in our suburbs and our city is better for it. Much of this success has come from volunteers and philanthropists. However, today, because of Government funding changes, the future of these projects is at risk. Now is the time for Council to do more to back them.

Years of R&D are done. The model works. Whole neighbourhoods are already free of rats, stoats, and possums. I see it in my own street, an abundance of tūī, kākā and kerurū. Visitors see more birds here than in our national parks. This is what our whole city could enjoy.

Locally projects like Predator Free Wellington enjoy a 97% approval rating from Wellingtonians, illustrating the support to keep it going. Yet, Wellington City Council contributes just 12% of the cost. That’s absurd when Wellington is the main beneficiary. 

With the central Government pulling out of funding agreements we risk throwing away years of progress.

Backing Predator Free isn’t just about conservation. It’s about jobs, skills, and innovation. Our city is building global expertise in biosecurity and conservation science. This niche could be a huge opportunity for Wellington to grow new businesses and jobs in our city. 

I will fight to secure funding for Predator Free Wellington and expand support for Zealandia, Capital Kiwi, and the community groups who do the hard mahi. Because if we want more birdsong in our suburbs, more jobs in our city, and more pride in what Wellington can achieve, then we have to back it properly.

Predator Free is not a “nice to have.” It’s who we are. With me as mayor, Wellington City Council will treat it that way.

My policy commitments

Secure Predator Free Wellington’s Future
I will increase Wellington City Council’s investment in Predator Free Wellington to ensure momentum is not lost and the citywide rollout continues. This includes long-term funding certainty so we can deliver a fully predator-free capital.

Expand Support for Conservation Partners
I will strengthen Council’s backing for Zealandia, Capital Kiwi, and community groups that restore and protect our natural spaces, recognising the enormous contribution of volunteers and local organisations.

Grow Jobs and Innovation in Conservation
I will champion Wellington as a global hub for biosecurity and conservation science, supporting new jobs, research, and businesses that emerge from predator eradication and habitat restoration programmes.

Make Nature Part of Our City’s Identity
I will ensure Council embeds conservation into its core strategy, treating biodiversity and the restoration of our native species not as “nice to haves” but as essential to Wellington’s liveability, economy, and global reputation.