Insights from engaging stakeholders on developing pest management strategies on an inhabited island

Excluding communities from pest management planning has resulted in several deliberate attempts to oppose the implementation of strategies, especially on inhabited islands. However, community members have the potential to generate the momentum needed to achieve conservation goals, when included in the planning process. We combined qualitative and quantitative data to engage 17 conservation actors and 380 island residents in focus group sessions and survey. Thematic data analysis explored local discourse around pest management on the island. The major themes identified were values, aspiration, setbacks and challenges and resolution. We developed hypotheses and tested them statistically using factor analysis and ANOVA. Results suggested that conservation actors supported collaboration with external agencies but preferred a locally driven project. Landownership might determine engagement in pest management. Participants' belief, resolution and objection to pest management were different across age groups. Engaging stakeholders provided further direction to explore the potential for a Predator Free Waiheke.