A predator free Taranaki could soon be a reality, as a $47m plan to eradicate pests in the region over the next five years has been unveiled.

The plan is being led by Taranaki Regional Council, working with landowners and DOC. The government has announced $11.7m funding, with the balance from the council and other funders.

The project will start near New Plymouth and will be progressively rolled out across 4500 hectares of farmland surrounding Taranaki/Egmont National Park. The area will be defended from re-infestation by a ‘virtual barrier’ created by a network of intensive trapping.

It is the first large-scale project to receive funding from Predator Free 2050 Ltd.

The work builds on the Taranaki Mounga Project, a large scale ecological restoration collaboration between Department of Conservation, eight Taranaki iwi, the NEXT Foundation and other sponsors, covering the 34,000ha national park.