Predator Free Rakiura sets up new Trust

Predator Free Rakiura is excited to announce the set-up of our new Charitable Trust “Te Puka Rakiura Trust”.  

The formal establishment of the Trust will enable Predator Free Rakiura to receive funding, run trials and design the predator eradication on Rakiura and surrounding islands. This will include the employment of a Programme Director.   

The official signing of the Trust Deed occurred on the 5th of October 2021 at Awarua Rūnanga’s Te Rau Aroha Marae.  

Conservation Minister, Hon Kiritapu Allan, was present to discuss numerous conservation activities occurring in the region. This provided us with a good opportunity to update the Minister on Predator Free Rakuira’s progress.  

Initial funding of one million dollars has been committed by the Department of Conservation to get the design and planning for eradication underway.

Pictured above: Trust Interim Board Members who signed the Trust Deed with the Conservation Minister, Hon Kiritapu Allan, at Te Rau Aroha Marae. From left to right Tane Davis, Paul Norris, Stewart Bull (Predator Free Rakiura Leadership Group), Gail Thompson (Mana Whenua).

The name ‘Te Puka Rakiura’ refers to the anchor stone of Te Waka o Maui (Te Waipounamu/South Island), as well as being an anchor for Predator Free 2050 and eradication across the country. The Trust will continue to use the well-established brand name and website ‘Predator Free Rakiura’ for the project. 

Formal recruitment processes for the Trust’s Official Board positions are underway:  

• Paul Norris has officially been appointed as the Engagement & Advisory Group Representative. Congratulations Paul!
• Other Trustees will represent Mana Whenua, Southland District Council, Environment Southland, and independent trustees. 

The Engagement & Advisory Group (formally the Leadership Group) will continue to play an important role in Predator Free Rakiura, being the key link to the community and providing advice to the Trust, reflecting community voice.   

The new Trust and Engagement & Advisory Group will be working closely together to progress the kaupapa of Predator Free Rakiura.  

We are looking forward to this next part of our journey.