New Zealand’s largest environmental issue - freshwater quality
The Stats NZ 2018 General Social Survey has shown that the state of rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and aquatic life is the main environmental concern for New Zealanders.
Environmental perceptions is a nationwide survey which asked New Zealanders for their thoughts about the state of our environment.
The results showed:
- Around 50% of respondents felt that vehicles/transport contribute to air pollution, but burning wood and coal is the leading cause.
- Almost half said farming is the main cause of an issue with freshwater quality
- Most cited household waste or sewage/stormwater discharge as the main cause of an issue with the state of oceans and sea life.