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New Zealand
News release
From:
"Feral cats rate amongst the most devastating pest species worldwide. As the apex predator in the invaded ecosystems of Aotearoa New Zealand, they have contributed to the decline of many native species, including birds, reptiles, and bats. In 2024, over the course of just a few days, a single feral cat destroyed the largest colony of tarapirohe (black-fronted terns) on the Waiau Toa Clarence River in Canterbury.
"A recent literature review by Boffa Miskell Ltd set out to explore Māori perspectives on cat management in Aotearoa, drawing from Iwi and Hapū Management Plans, academic articles, and reports.
"The findings? While acknowledging that Māori communities and individuals hold a variety of perspectives on this matter, and that some views are likely to be under-represented in published research, the evidence suggests that Māori predominantly see feral cats as a pest, and support efforts to control or eradicate them.
"Of the 92 Iwi and Hapū Management Plans (IHMP) reviewed, 80% mentioned pest mammals as an issue in the associated rohe, and nearly a quarter specifically identified feral cats as a problem. Given that these Plans are typically written with a high-level focus on resource management issues, this is notable. Some IHMP went further, specifically calling out the threat to culturally significant resources, such as māhinga kai (traditional food sources) and tītī (muttonbirds). Some plans emphasised the need for improved monitoring and control, and several acknowledged that pet cats, not just feral ones, pose a threat to wildlife.
"The Plans also displayed a nuanced view of pest control. While there’s strong support for pest mammal management generally, there’s a wide range of views around the methods used. Some iwi and hapū prefer non-toxic methods, and express concern about the use of poisons like 1080, especially when delivered aerially. Others express support for best-practice use of toxins based on the benefits to native biodiversity. However, the most commonly expressed views were in the middle ground, with qualified support for responsible toxin use when paired with independent monitoring of efficacy and impacts. Transparency, and respect for tikanga are key. Many IHMP also advocate for continued research into alternative and humane pest control methods.
"Surveys and focus groups consistently show that many Māori recognise feral cats as a significant pest species, and a priority for control effort, alongside stoats, rats, and possums. A 2024 survey found that Māori and Pākeha views on the seriousness of feral cats as a threat were near-identical; 53% of each rated cats as a 'very serious threat' and 27% of Māori (compared to 26% of Pākeha) rated cats as a ‘large threat’.
"The literature is particularly thin on Māori attitudes toward pet cats. While Māori households are slightly less likely to own cats than Pākehā households, there’s limited data on how Māori view pet cat management practices like de-sexing, microchipping, or containment. Public sentiment on cat management is evolving. Nationally, support for stricter legislation on pet cats is growing, and practices like microchipping are on the rise. Some studies suggest Māori may be less supportive of these measures, but the reasons for this remain unclear. Is it about access, affordability, cultural values, or something else? More inclusive and culturally attuned research is needed to understand the full picture.
"Across the motu, Māori are not just talking about feral cat control, they’re doing it. From the Rekohu to the Kaipara, iwi and hapū are actively leading and supporting feral cat control and eradication projects. To highlight one example, the Tū Mai Taonga project, led by Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea, is working hard to eradicate feral cats and rats from Aotea Great Barrier Island and create the opportunity for native biodiversity to thrive. The initiative is as much about restoring biodiversity as it is about reconnecting people to place; and more than half of the workers are mana whenua."
