July 25 2016
Jo Coughlan Pledges to Make Miramar Predator Free in 3 Years and Wellington Predator Free in 10 Years
Mayoral Candidate Jo Coughlan welcomed today’s announcement by Prime Minister John Key that the Government wants to make
New Zealand pest free by 2050.
“I am excited that the Government wants to do for New Zealand what I have pledged to do for Wellington,” Jo Coughlan
said.
Jo Coughlan launched her Pest Free Wellington policy on Wednesday July 6.
“As I announced a few weeks ago, making Wellington pest free is a key plank in my vision for Wellington. We need to take
a 100 year view and do some big things and do them right. This is about shifting the dial for Wellington,” Jo Coughlan
continued.
“I believe that we can deliver this result much quicker than 2050. If you elect me as Mayor I pledge to deliver a
predator free Miramar peninsular within three years. It is already possum free. I will work with the Department of
Conservation, the Regional Council and non-government organisations to eliminate feral cats, rats and stoats from the
peninsular.
“Our topography lends itself to being able to making the whole of Wellington pest free within 10 years.
“Our one challenge is predators coming in from our Northern neighbours. Clearly we will have to coordinate with Porirua
City and Hutt City to encourage them to eliminate these predators too,” Jo Coughlan concluded.
ends