New Zealand’s native wildlife evolved without mammalian predators, leaving species like kiwi, kākā, and tuatara highly vulnerable. Since the arrival of humans, introduced pests such as possums, rats, and stoats have devastated ecosystems and remain one of the greatest threats to our biodiversity.
At the forefront of tackling this challenge is Zero Invasive Pests (ZIP), an organisation dedicated to the complete removal of possums, rats, and stoats from large mainland landscapes and ensuring they never return. Their work is helping to reimagine predator control in the 21st century, combining bold goals with field-tested innovation.
In this Vibe session, Tom Agnew, ZIP’s Operations Director, will share lessons learned from on-the-ground projects, insights into the latest tools and techniques, and how ZIP partners with local communities and mana whenua. He’ll also explore what it takes to move from sustained control to full eradication — even in the most complex environments.
Join us to discover how cutting-edge technology and bold thinking are reshaping pest management in New Zealand, and how these breakthroughs bring us closer to a predator-free future.
Wednesday 17 September
4.00pm - 5.30pm
Mrs O’s Cafe, Lincoln University
We hope to see you there!
Timings
4:00pm – Arrival and networking
4:10pm – Welcome from Prof. Chad Hewitt, Provost, Lincoln University
4:15pm – Overview on what LU is doing in this space
4:20pm – Keynote presentation
4:45pm – Q&A
5:00pm – Networking
5:30pm – Event concludes
About Our Speakers
Tom Agnew, ZIP
Tom joined the Lincoln-based Predator Behaviour Team at the end of 2014, after completing a MSc at Lincoln University, majoring in Biosecurity/Bioprotection and Conservation/Ecology. With little previous experience handling or observing wild animals, a massive learning curve ensued! Tom eventually spent three years as the Predator Behaviour Team Lead, building an understanding of how predator species respond to new tools and techniques.
Now, as Development Director, Tom works closely with Al, and with our engineering team, to identify and accelerate development priorities that will help ZIP to achieve our predator elimination goals. He helps to drive development across the business, supporting our tīma to take new developments from initial idea through to implementation. Tom is one of the key drivers behind design and analysis here at ZIP, and his top-notch people skills help him share our learnings and mahi with other predator-free projects across New Zealand.
When time permits, Tom still enjoys crashing through the New Zealand bush, dodging wasps and testing the new and exciting technologies being trialed by the ZIP team.
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