Stewart Islanders are having their say on plans to rid New Zealand's biggest island of predators.
The controversial proposal is aimed at preventing further environmental damage, which includes aerial poisoning and a predator-proof fence.
Those who visit Stewart Island also go to Ulva Island where the bird life is incredible, and those behind the plan say this is what Stewart Island could be like.
This is because on Ulva Island there have been no rats, cats, possums or deer for ten years.
A draft report was commissioned by a small community trust to see if eradication of predators is feasible.
The 55-page report floats various ideas including a predator-proof fence around the main township at Oban and aerial poisoning.
Stewart Island has been called the jewel in New Zealand's crown and if it does become predator-free tourism could increase and that's not welcome.
"Economically it would be wonderful, but it's a pity to kill a place for the golden dollar isn't it?" says local tourism operator Peter Tait.
"I think it goes against the idea of New Zealand and in particularly Stewart Island being clean and green. Well you don't want to be clean because you've poisoned everything," says a resident.
But the feedback is not all negative.
"This committee's on the right wave length to get things done and I hope everything goes right for them," says another local resident.
Another report will be out in June, and while nothing will
happen fast it's an issue that will not be going away any time
soon.
