The Mackenzie Basin’s long been regarded as “ground zero” for being ravaged by rabbits, but it’s hoped new funding could change that.

The Te Manahuna Aoraki Project’s getting $5 million to take out the hopping pests, which could starve others who prey on them.

The end goal – to rid pests from 310,000 hectares of alpine and tussock land.

Project chair Dr Jan Wright spoke to Kim Hill.