In 2021, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) commissioned The Research Agency (TRA) to undertake audience research on New Zealanders' attitudes towards and awareness of environmental issues.
This abridged report presents some of the key findings. The information in this independent research does not necessarily reflect the views of Ministry.
In 2021, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) commissioned The Research Agency (TRA) to undertake audience research on New Zealanders' attitudes towards and awareness of environmental issues.
This abridged report presents some of the key findings. The information in this independent research does not necessarily reflect the views of Ministry.
Summary of findings
- Eighty-eight per cent of New Zealanders believe in the importance of protecting our environment. However, only 61 per cent claim they are doing all they can to reduce their environmental impact.
- Only 18 per cent of New Zealanders claim to be knowledgeable about the state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment.
- Only 35 per cent of New Zealanders are interested in finding out more about the state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment.
- This is largely driven by uncertainty about who to trust to provide credible information (32 per cent), the overwhelming feeling that there’s too much information available (22 per cent) and environmental information being difficult to understand (16 per cent).
- New Zealanders identify environmental issues, particularly climate change, as the fourth most important issue they face after the cost of living, affordable housing and mental health.
- There is an important task to be done in increasing New Zealanders’ knowledge about the state of the environment in Aotearoa. Breaking the big topics into smaller, bite-sized information can motivate people to want to find out more.