The guiding principles for the Predator Free 2050 Strategy are:
- Collaboration
Isolated actions will not achieve our goal. A combined effort is needed to get the work done.
- Connection
The programme isn’t about killing predators for the sake of it. A predator free New Zealand will result in flourishing biodiversity and improved well-being for New Zealanders. Understanding this connection is critical.
- Environment at particular places
Local action, led by communities who look after the environment at particular places, supported by national planning and actions.
- Inclusivity
The biodiversity of New Zealand is a taonga and the heritage of all New Zealanders, including those yet to be born. We all benefit from a flourishing biodiversity and we can all be part of creating Predator Free 2050.
- Guardianship and responsibility
Whānau, hapū and iwi have an obligation of kaitiakitanga, deriving from whakapapa, to care for indigenous plants and wildlife. Although only Māori can be kaitiaki, an ethic of ‘wise stewardship’ or guardianship also weaves through Western and other thinking. We need to embrace these dual responsibilities, to care for what makes New Zealand unique, as we work towards Predator Free 2050.
- Adaptability
Predator Free 2050 is taking us into new territory. We don’t have all the answers. A culture of learning and adapting as we learn is critical to the programme’s success.
- Courage
Becoming Predator Free by 2050 requires us to have the courage to do things differently and the courage to change and adapt in the light of new information and knowledge.