30 May 2018

Taranaki project aims to create first predator-free province

2:20 pm on 30 May 2018

The largest predator-control project in the country has been launched in Taranaki today with $11 million in government funding over five years.

The Taranaki Taku Tūranga project is launched.

The Taranaki Taku Tūranga project is launched. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Taranaki Taku Tūranga - Our Place, Towards a Predator-Free Taranaki - aims for the province to be the first predator-free region in New Zealand.

Led by the Taranaki Regional Council, the project is the first to receive funding from Predator Free 2050 and will cost $47 million in the first five years.

Taranaki Regional Council chairman David McLeod said the campaign would employ state-of-the-art traps and technology to remove stoats, rats and possums from all land types across the region by 2050.