Predator Free 2050 Limited backs Southland project

December 16, 2020 2:10 pm

Predator Free 2050 Limited is providing $100,000 of funding to help the continuation of the Predator Free Southland project.

Predator Free 2050 Limited Chief Executive Abbie Reynolds announced a funding agreement with Environment Southland in Invercargill this week, following a meeting with members of the Predator Free Southland governance group.

“We have been impressed with the predator control work being carried out by community-led groups in Southland.

“This funding enables the new project coordinator Alana Bensemann to further engage with people and to continue developing a five-year action plan. This is designed to enable community groups and agencies to collaborate at scale, to control predators and protect Southland’s biodiversity.”

“With sufficient support we will consider a longer-term funding proposal from the Predator Free Southland governance group next year.”

The Predator Free Southland governance group comprises Ngāi Tahu, Environment Southland, Department of Conservation, Gore District Council, and Invercargill City Council.

Header image from left: Otatara Pestbusters Group coordinator Dallas Bradley, Department of Conservation senior ranger community Phil Melgren, Environment Southland biosecurity team leader Dave Burgess, Predator Free 2050 Ltd project support manager Nathan McNally, Otatara Community Nursery owner Chris Rance, Predator Free Southland coordinator Alana Bensemann, Predator Free 2050 Ltd chief executive Abbie Reynolds