Public Perceptions of NZ's Environment (ongoing)

Programme manager: Prof. Ken Hughey

This research studies New Zealand residents´ views about the New Zealand environment. Data is obtained by mail survey of 2000 people randomly selected from the Electoral Roll. Each biennial survey uses the Pressure-State-Response framework for state of the environment reporting to assess resources such as air quality, native plants and animals, native forest and bush, soils, beaches and coastal waters, marine fisheries, marine reserves, freshwaters, national parks, wetlands, urban environments, and the natural environment compared to other developed nations.

We also examine participation in environmentally friendly activities. Individual case studies are also undertaken - in 2000 we dealt with natural hazards; in 2002 we dealt with the coastal marine environment and preferences for expenditure on environmental matters; in 2004 we dealt with freshwater and recreational angling; in 2006 we concentrated on transport and the environment; in 2008 we again concentrated on aspects of freshwater but also on conservation; and, most recently in 2010 we concentrated on the state of freshwater, desired futures for freshwater and on aspects of freshwater management.

All the reports are available in hard copy and electronically (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010).