Application of the Pressure-State-Response framework to perceptions reporting of the state of the New Zealand environment

Abstract

The Pressure-State-Response framework for environmental reporting was used as a basis to develop a long-term study of people’s perceptions of the state of the New Zealand environment. A postal survey of 2000 people, randomly drawn from the New Zealand electoral roll was used to gather data – an effective response rate of 48% was achieved. A range of different resource sectors was examined. We report on New Zealand’s air, native animals and plants, and marine fisheries, as well as New Zealand compared to other developed countries. Respondents generally considered that in terms of pressures, states and responses, New Zealand was performing better than other developed countries and that for the resources examined here overall performance was in the adequate to good range, except for marine fisheries. The survey appears to be a useful tool for linking perceptions data into State of the Environment reporting. It also helps identify policy issues where perceptions do not match other scientific evidence or management initiatives. Such findings can be important for the successful implementation of policy measures.