WHAT'S
NEXT

June 2018

When NEXT was launched four years ago the very first initiative to receive funding was Zero Invasive Predators. ZIP is a collaboration between the Department of Conservation and NEXT to develop tools and technology to eradicate possums, rats and stoats from the mainland, and keep them out – without fences.

Fast forward to 2018 and ZIP is about to undertake its first big test on the mainland – ridding the Perth Valley in South Westland of possums – forever. It’s been an incredible journey for the ZIP team and its leader Chief Executive Al Bramley – and in this newsletter he shares his story in our NEXT Outlook series: The Power of Two – collaboration between Government and philanthropy for a nature rich New Zealand.

We also bring you another environmental success story – where birdsong is increasingly returning to Wellington after Predator Free Community Champion Kelvin Hastie inspired a burgeoning community trapping network. Over forty urban community groups are now actively trapping in the greater Wellington region.

In education news, NEXT has extended its funding for Talking Matters – the initiative promoting rich language in a baby’s first 1,000 days of life – and one of our education kaihautū, Frank Janssen, has received the Plowman Medal – a highly treasured acknowledgement within the NEXT family because it carries the name of our benefactors.

Yours in education and the environment

Bill Kermode
CEO, NEXT Foundation

The Power of Two: ZIP Chief Executive Al Bramley on the DOC/NEXT Collaboration

“I absolutely believe New Zealand will be Predator Free by 2050 – and that will be the power of many.” ZIP Chief Executive Al Bramley on his journey into conservation – and the part the Department of Conservation/NEXT will play in reaching the 2050 goal.

Zero Invasive Predators faces Big Test in the Perth Valley, Westland

ZIP is facing its biggest challenge to date – the Perth Valley in Westland is the first area of mainland New Zealand it hopes to eradicate possums and possibly rats from – forever.

Birdsong Returning to Wellington - How Kelvin Hastie helped transform his Suburb - and his City

NEXT supported Predator Free Community Champion Kelvin Hastie for three years – to inspire other communities into backyard trapping – and encourage the Wellington City Council and the Greater Wellington regional Council to create a project for Wellington to become Predator Free. The results are starting to be seen – and heard.

NEXT Extends Talking Matters Funding

NEXT has extended its funding for Talking Matters – allowing the education intiative to expand its programmes promoting the importance of rich communication with babies in their first 1,000 days of life.

READ MORE

Plowman Medal Awarded to NEXT Champion Frank Janssen

Congratulations to Frank Janssen, a valuable member of our NEXT kaihautū and critical thinker on some of our key education initatives – for being awarded the Plowman Medal.