Predator Free Wellington (PFW) is a groundbreaking initiative with the ambitious goal of making Wellington the world’s first predator-free capital city by eradicating rats, stoats, weasels and possums. This innovative project is a collaboration between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, the NEXT Foundation, Predator Free 2050 Ltd, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, and community and business partners. By removing bureaucratic hurdles and adopting a flexible, community-led approach, PFW demonstrates how urban eradication models can be successfully implemented at scale.
Wellington City Council has played a pivotal role, not only as a funding partner but also through an agile, place-based strategy that aligns operational programmes on the ground, enabling rapid responses to challenges and achieving better ecological outcomes. The project has already seen significant success, with entire suburbs declared predator-free, biodiversity flourishing, and residents actively engaged in conservation efforts. A blueprint for urban eradications has been developed, offering a transferable model for other cities and councils. PFW showcases how local government can achieve large-scale environmental restoration through effective partnerships, adaptive management, and community empowerment.
