Dr Gunn said now it was all about establishing what would be needed to support the predator-free movement in the region.
Part of her role would be to create a five-year action plan to find gaps in existing efforts, she said.
"I really want that to reflect what community groups see as the next step. Everyone is really stretched, community groups are already doing a lot, so if we want to expand our efforts in Southland, what would that take?"
She hoped to build a network of individuals and groups involved in conservation in the Deep South as collaboration was important for predator-free success, Dr Gunn said.
There was much work to be done, she said.
"It is not only looking at the groups that are out there but also identifying where we focus our efforts."
The role was created under a joint initiative involving Ngai Tahu, Environment Southland, the Department of Conservation, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council and Southland District Council, which also acted as a governance group.
Dr Gunn said her experience living and working in various countries and the fresh eye she offered as a newcomer to Southland could help her identify different ways of protecting the region’s biodiversity.
"Every culture approaches things slightly differently ... You take away a lot from every place you live and work."
