Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announces new board members.
Aotearoa New Zealand's Predator Free 2050 Programme has received a boost with the appointment of two experienced individuals to its Board of Directors. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced Katie Milne and Dr Bruce Campbell as new additions, citing their expertise in science, research, and governance.
The appointments come as part of the multi-agency initiative to eradicate rats, possums, and mustelids from Aotearoa New Zealand by 2050. Predator Free 2050 Limited, a Crown-owned company, plays a key role in funding projects that develop cost-effective and scalable predator eradication methods.
Mr Potaka believes the new board members will enhance the collective skills of the Board, supporting Predator Free 2050 Limited's strategic focus on research, science, and innovation. Dr Campbell brings his experience in applied science, commercialisation, and public sector governance to the role, having commenced on November 12, 2024. Katie Milne's appointment was extended for a further term after initially joining the Board in 2021.
The appointments aim to strengthen biodiversity efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand, aligning with the programme's goal of a predator-free environment by 2050.