Rakiura Maori Lands Trust Applauds Governments Move to Make NZ Predator Free.

Rakiura Maori Lands Trust (RMLT) chair Simon Gomez says the Trust welcomes the government’s announcement to make NZ Predator Free by 2050.

RMLT is the biggest private landowner on Stewart Island, owning or managing around 15% of the land on the Island.

“Our beneficiaries have made predator control a priority ad we are already working with government on some pest management programmes. We believe that this announcement will enhance our current partnership and pave the way for further joint ventures with both Government, private funders and the community,” he says.

RMLT is also in the unique position of offering up a number of areas that can be fenced off to allow for predator eradication trials which could benefit the rest of the country.

“We will be inviting the Minister of Conservation Affairs to visit our projects and discuss our ongoing involvement with the government initiative.

“Stewart Island is a jewel in the government’s National Park network and the Lords River settlement of 2002 cemented our relationship with government as the Deed of settlement saw the Trust agree to manage those lands “As if they were a National Park.

“RMLT will be proud to play an integral part in helping New Zealand achieve Predator Free Status by 2050,”concludes Mr Gomez.

ENDS

© Scoop Media