From Backyard to Big Picture: Making Predator Free NZ a Reality (With Jessi Morgan)
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In neighbourhoods around New Zealand, predator control is becoming as normal as recycling or composting.
Jessi Morgan, CEO of Predator Free New Zealand Trust, reveals how they're turning individual actions into a nationwide movement. By equipping communities with knowledge, tools, and support, they're empowering every New Zealander to contribute to an ambitious goal: a country free of rats, stoats, and possums by 2050.
From AI-powered traps to innovative toxins, Jessi shares how Kiwi ingenuity and collective action is transforming the predator control landscape. But this isn't just about removing predators – it's about creating resilient ecosystems where native species and communities can thrive together.
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Here are some of the things we discussed:
The history of mammalian introductions by humans over time, and why “killing to save” is the only way to protect NZ’s unique biodiversity.
The journey from scattered community groups to a connected conservation movement.
Smart traps and targeted toxins: how new tech makes predator control more effective.
Why conservation needs to happen in the places where people work, live, and play - not just in remote areas.
How predator-free work contributes to wider benefits beyond biodiversity, from freshwater to climate resilience.
Breaking down barriers: making predator control simple and accessible for everyone.
The "no IP in predator free" philosophy - why sharing knowledge freely benefits the whole movement.
Why feral cats are one of our biggest conservation challenges, with devastating impacts on native wildlife.
Why companion cat management needs to evolve as part of our predator-free future.
Practical ways to get started with predator control in your own backyard.
And much more…
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Jessi Morgan is the chief executive of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust. Founded in 2013, PFNZ is an independent charity that inspires and enables community groups and individuals by providing support, advice and tools to control introduced predators and create a safe space for our birds, bugs, bats and lizards.
🔗Learn more:
Website: www.predatorfreenz.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PFNewZealand
Instagram: www.instagram.com/predatorfreenz
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/predatorfreenz
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The People Helping Nature podcast is brought to you by Conservation Amplified, a registered New Zealand charity.
We are on a mission to help make conservation mainstream by amplifying the awesome stuff people are doing to help nature all around Aotearoa New Zealand.
Because when people are aware, connected to the ecosystems around them and care enough to take positive action, only then will we see lasting change.
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