New Zealand as a leader in conservation practice and invasion management

Abstract

New Zealand has played a prominent role in conservation and especially in invasion management. The plethora of 19th century animal and plant invasions led to much research, beginning in the early 20th century, on their impacts and how to counteract them. New Zealand particularly became a leader in control and eradication of mammals and in biological control of pestiferous insects and plants. By hosting international conferences on eradicating invasions, and by mounting ambitious, inspirational projects with innovative technologies, New Zealand further increased its influence in this area. The nation has also inspired the world with vigorous, innovative attempts to rescue endemic animal species on the brink of extinction. An impressive New Zealand programme of reserves for conservation of marine species and ecosystems is threatened by the fact that conservation goals and those of commerce and recreation can never fully align. As in other nations with globally important biodiversity, New Zealand has seen disputes between its native inhabitants and European colonists and their descendants over conservation and customary use of this resource. Recognition of a rightful Māori role in these matters, both in the Treaty of Waitangi and recently, greatly surpasses deference given elsewhere to native peoples on related issues, but implementing this role remains challenging.