This consultation is now closed for submissions.

With Government funding for the Towards Predator-Free Taranaki initiatives running out in 2024 and without a firm commitment for more funding, we must determine how we will fund the programmes. It is not feasible for us to fully cover the amount the Government has provided, so some tough decisions are required.

We know our community has done amazing work in this area. We want to know what we can do to keep this mahi going. Tell us your views on the future of Predator Free 2050 in Taranaki.

What are the issues?

Since 2018, the Crown-owned Predator Free 2050 Limited has provided us with more than $15m of funding to combat a range of predators in the region through its Towards Predator-Free Taranaki programme. We have then provided a further $3.2m ($650k per year).

Due to the wide range of cost-pressures we are facing, we are proposing to not provide any additional funding for Towards Predator-Free Taranaki.

Our existing funding of $650k per year would continue. But if new Government funding does not eventuate, a significant reduction across the initiatives would be required. We will engage closely with the new Government to try and ensure this is not needed.

What are the options?

Rural predator control

OPTION 1:
No expansion to existing programme 		OPTION 2:
Gradual roll-out of the programme 		OPTION 3:
Expanded roll-out of the programme
Description Our current funding for the programme continues. Less community engagement and no expansion in area. Area covered by the programme expanded by 8,000 hectares per year. Takes 14 years to reach full coverage. Area covered by the programme expanded by 15,000 hectares per year. Takes 8 years to reach full coverage.
Impact on costs No additional costs. Existing $650k pa continues. Additional costs of $1.25m per annum and a total of $3.75m within the first three years of the LTP. Additional costs of $1.8m per annum and a total of $5.4m within the first three years of the LTP.
Impact on debt No impact on debt. No impact on debt. No impact on debt.
Impact on rates No impact on rates. This issue would be funded by general rates. All expenditure would be funded by increases in general rates. This issue would be funded by general rates. All expenditure would be funded by increases in general rates.
Impact on service level Decrease in service level for catchmenet management if Government funding does not eventuate. Level of service level for catchment management is maintained. Increase in the service level of the catchment management group.

Zero density possum control

OPTION 1:
Revert to control 		OPTION 2:
Maintain eradication
Description Management approach reverts to keep possums at very low levels within the area. Zero density will no longer be achievable. Aims to maintain zero possums in the current area, even without Government funding.
Impact on costs In the first three years, the total costs to implement this option will be $470k.
Year 1: $160k, Year 2: $160k, Year 3: $150k 		In the first three years, the total cost to implement will be $1.56m.
Year 1: $520k, Year 2: $520k, Year 3: $520k
Impact on debt No impact on debt. No impact on debt.
Impact on rates This issue would be funded by general rates. All expenditure would be funded by increases in general rates. This issue would be funded by general rates. All expenditure would be funded by increases in general rates.
Impact on service level Decrease in service level for catchment management if Government funding does not eventuate. Level of service for catchment management is maintained.