An article about keeping an invasive species as pets (Australian possums in New Zealand) presents the usual emotional pleas, plus a peculiar nonsequitur about colonial history.

Perhaps it would be safe and reasonable to permit neutered possums as pets in New Zealand, provided they are not allowed outdoors. The article does not say whether the pet-owners interviewed do that.

One of them has a cat, too. Cats in New Zealand are a similar case. Even in the US, cats that are allowed outside devastate many species of birds. If you want to have a cat, please keep it indoors and protect wildlife.