NZers often think our environment is doing better than it is

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-02-23 14:48

New Zealand

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A 2022 survey of how New Zealanders see the environment shows that in many cases, our perception doesn't match the science. Analysis of responses from over 2000 people representative of the population showed that we rightly thought our air quality was doing better, and our lakes and rivers worse, than eight other environmental "domains". However, over half those surveyed thought our native forest and bush were in a "good" or "very good state" despite native forest loss in previous years. Those in Southland, which had lost native forest, gave the highest rating while those in Gisborne, an area which had gained forest, gave the lowest. The study authors say we need better information and transparent communication from environmental experts, to bridge the gap between public perception and what the data show.