2: Defiance / Remove and Protect

Series Classification: G (General Audiences)

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Film Synopsis

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 off-shore 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 knife-edge 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

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Podcast Synopsis

Remove and Protect reveals what Aotearoa means to do about the losing battle for our wildlife.

It sets out the critical distinction between business-as-usual pest control — simply holding a line — and the step change, and monumental challenge, that is eradication.

It looks at some ingenious new tools — smart, autonomous devices that are already changing our idea of what’s possible and what’s affordable.

Host Dave Hansford and the experts then tell listeners the plan, the nuts-and-bolts detail of exactly how we mean to find and catch that last rat.

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Fisheye Films is an award-winning media production company with bases in Auckland and Christchurch. Established in 1997 by Peter Young, Fisheye Films has extensive experience in the production of feature documentaries and factual television series, as well as commercials and corporate videos for the national and international market. 

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