https://www.rnz.co.nz/wild

Fight for the Wild takes viewers into the wild heart of Aotearoa and documents the desperate battle to protect it. It explores the notion of a Predator Free 2050 and asks whether this big, bold initiative is achievable and if so, how?

New Zealander’s have drawn a line in the sand, announcing that Aotearoa will rid the nation of rats, stoats and possums by 2050.

We’ve been successful on offshore islands, but what will it take to extend this across the mainland? We look at the strategy behind Predator Free 2050 and travel to a 12,000 hectare field research site in the Perth Valley, South Westland where Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) are trialling techniques they hope may one day roll out right across the country.

We also meet a dedicated community group protecting a pair of nesting Kea and discover the knifeedge our native birds must navigate every breeding season.

“We can't afford to be any less ambitious than trying to be predator free by 2050. It's one of the most important things that we will do together as New Zealanders.” Abbie Reynolds

“We're going to learn a lot as we go. We're going to learn a lot about technologies and tools that are needed, but we're also going to learn a lot about ourselves and about our unique flora and fauna. And that journey in itself is a really important part here of our maturing as a nation.” Andrea Byrom

“There are boggling challenges to a notion like Predator free New Zealand.” John Innes

“Don't kid yourself that it's going to be easy. We're talking eradication. We're not talking control or suppression.” Craig Gillies

“Biodiversity in New Zealand and in quite serious trouble. I think most people can't see what's missing and they don't realise how bad the situation is.” Brent Beavan

Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.