Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime says feral cats are an issue as they pose a threat to New Zealand's native species, adding fuel to the controversial debate.
The comments come as Kiwis gear up to participate in the review of the Predator Free 2050 strategy on whether it should include feral cats or not.
The Minister made a distinction between feral cats and domesticated cats, but the move will still spark major public debate with New Zealand having differing but equally passionate views on the animal.
"The general message is that we know that feral cats are an issue, they do pose a threat to our native species and I think that that's a conversation and an education process that we need to have with the Aotearoa New Zealand public," Prime said.
"New Zealanders are going to be able to participate in the review of the Predator Free 2050 strategy on whether it should include feral cats or not."
The Minister made the announcement on Paddy Gower Has Issues, which was investigating the feral cat problem.
Prime said the reason feral cats weren't in Predator Free 2050 when it was launched in 2020 was because there was strong feedback from the public at that time that they shouldn't be included.
"When they developed the first strategy, the feedback from the public at that time was possums rats, stoats, mustelids [should be in Predator Free 2050]. It did not include cats," Prime said.
The Minister said it was now time to review the Predator Free 2050 strategy and a key question would be whether feral cats should be included.
She said the Department of Conservation (DoC) would start the review next year and New Zealanders would be asked for feedback. Any new strategy including cats would be in place by 2025.
"I can't predetermine the outcome of that process. But certainly, my understanding is that the feedback that we receive from the public will be very informative in terms of the decision," Prime said.
Prime acknowledged the SPCA had given the Paddy Gower Has Issues investigation a new position on feral cats and it was now in favour of putting them in Predator Free 2050.
"I would expect the SPCA will be one of the groups that would participate in the review and provide feedback. And it is something that they may wish to share with other people because [SPCA opposition] could have been some of the reasons people didn't feel it was appropriate last time," she said.
A DoC spokesperson said the review would take place in 2024 and be in place by 2025.
"The review will include the target predators for Predator Free 2050 and will address the question of whether feral cats or other introduced predators should be included. Consulting with the New Zealand public about any changes to the strategy will be an important part of the review process," the spokesperson said.
"The purpose of the review is to check we're on track and whether we've got the right strategy to achieve Predator Free, and to develop a new set of interim goals to focus New Zealand’s efforts.
"DOC will design the review and consultation process over the next six months. No decisions have been made as to what form this will take.
The Predator Free 2050 strategy and first five-year action plan were launched in 2020, following extensive public consultation.
The DoC spokesperson said this was the first review of the strategy.
Stream Paddy Gower Has Issues in full on ThreeNow.
