Predator-free city?

An ambitious plan to make Wellington the world’s first predatorfree capital is expected to be unveiled today. It’s believed the project will aim to rid the city of New Zealand’s top three invasive predators – rats, stoats and mustelids. ‘‘The idea is to create what is effectively a predatorfree Wellington region,’’ said Greater Wellington regional council chairman Chris Laidlaw. ‘‘A big ask but it’s a worthy objective and helps focus the minds of people who don’t understand what a predator can do. The Next Foundation has decided they are going to take a good crack at this.’’ The Next Foundation is a New Zealand organisation that dishes out up to $15 million per year for ‘‘strategic philanthropy’’.