Fight For The Wild: Documentary and Podcast
25 May 2021
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A documentary series profiling the kaitiaki, ecologists, inventors and community trappers who are defending kea, kiwi, kakariki and other native species.
Fight for the Wild takes viewers into the wild places of Aotearoa and documents the battle to protect native species. It explores the notion of a Predator Free 2050 and asks whether this initiative is achievable and if so, how?
Dr Helen Blackie is one of the biosecurity experts who contributed to the Fight for the Wild series, and she appears in most episodes.
Helen says, “I think [achieving predator-free status] is a realistic goal. Years ago, we didn’t think it was possible to eradicate rats from islands; and now it’s being done all across the world. New Zealand has been a world leader in these efforts.”
Episode 1: Dealing with Loss looks back to Gondwana, to explore why New Zealand’s native birds are so vulnerable to predation by mammals from another hemisphere and another time; and describes the impact of the Predator Free target species: the brushtail possum, the stoat, the kiore, and the ship and Norway rats, through accounts from the country’s leading experts.
Episode 2: Remove and Protect reveals what Aotearoa plans to do about the losing battle for our wildlife. It sets out the critical distinction between pest control and the monumental challenge, that is eradication. It looks at some ingenious new tools — [smart, autonomous devices] that are already changing our idea of what’s possible and what’s affordable.
Episode 3: PF2050 and Māori looks at the vital contribution of Māori towards achieving Predator Free status. It explores the deep relationship between Māori and the natural world, and the ways in which loss of biodiversity impact the identity and well-being of Māori. The journey toward Predator Free offers a chance for for tino rangatiratanga, and a genuine bicultural partnership.
Episode 4: What’s In It for Us is available on May 31st
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For further information please contact Dr. Helen Blackie