Executive summary

This report presents findings on the Auckland public’s engagement with a suite of environmental protection initiatives delivered by Auckland Council. It is based on a repeated survey of a large sample of Aucklanders (n = 2348) collected in 2022, with a baseline comparison to 2020. Across the 2022 period, several initiatives were implemented, enabled by increased investment in the environment from the Natural Environment Targeted Rate. The initiatives included diverse campaigns such as encouraging Aucklanders to plant native plants, control invasive weeds, and trap for pest animals, the use of kauri dieback cleaning stations, and responsible pet ownership.

This report focused on five outcomes: social capital, environmental activism, conservation at home, community-led conservation, and adherence to biosecurity practices. The results showed a notable increase in conservation at home, while other desired outcomes maintained a consistent, positive, status over the two-year period. Noting the timing of the survey period, COVID-19 public restrictions may have impacted some results. The COM-B framework was applied to interpret the findings and provide recommendations. Four intervention functions (training, enablement, restriction, and environmental restructuring) were identified as the most effective ways to focus future initiatives to enhance Aucklanders' engagement with pro-environmental behaviours.

Auckland Council technical report, TR2023/20

November 2023

See also:

Tracking Aucklanders’ conservation perceptions and behaviours: natural environment portfolio social outcome monitor 2020 (baseline)