Survey of Wellington voters shows 83% say no to selling Conservation Land

News from Forest and Bird
New polling shows New Zealanders oppose allowing the sale of public conservation land, as the Government pushes ahead with conservation law changes that could make large areas of the conservation estate easier to sell. The poll found opposition to allowing sales of conservation land was particularly strong in Wellington at 83%, Christchurch at 63%, and provincial cities at 59%.

The Curia Market Research poll, commissioned by Forest & Bird, found 64% of voters oppose allowing the sale of public conservation land, including 46% who strongly oppose it. Only 25% support allowing sale, while 11% are unsure.

“New Zealanders are sending a very clear message: conservation land is for protection, not sale,” says Richard Capie, Forest & Bird’s Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy and Policy.

“These are the places people tramp, swim, camp, climb, hunt, fish, and take their kids. They are the wild places that w

Results show opposition to selling conservation land is widespread across the country, including in Auckland, towns, and rural areas.

“New Zealanders are telling us loud and clear in an election year that selling conservation land is something they will not support,” says Mr Capie.

The poll also shows a majority of regular voters for the Government coalition parties oppose selling conservation land. Opposition was recorded among 54% of National voters, 63% of ACT voters, and 50% of New Zealand First voters.

“Political parties should be paying close attention. The voters that every political party needs to win this election do not want conservation land up for sale,” says Mr Capie.

Nearly half of voters said they would be less likely to vote for a political party that supported allowing the sale of public conservation land.

Forest & Bird is calling on all political parties to oppose provisions in the Conservation Amendment Bill that would make it easier to dispose of or exchange public conservation land.

“At a time when native species are in crisis, the Government should be protecting conservation land for nature, climate, and future generations,” says Mr Capie.

“Nature can’t vote, but we can. Every voter should ask candidates where they stand on selling public conservation land.”

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