NZU Tiritiri Survey

Survey of public perceptions towards a Tiritiri Matangi marine reserve
a summary of results.

The survey was undertaken by Auckland University student Ian McLeod, from January to March 2002. Overall, 336 people were surveyed - both on the Island and on boats in the surrounding waters. Of those surveyed, slightly more were female (56%) than male (44%). The ages of respondents is shown in the graph below.

People were asked what reasons they were visiting the island or surrounding waters for that day. Most were there for bird-watching, sightseeing and enjoying the beach. Sixteen percent were fishing and/or gathering seafood, and ten percent were snorkelling and/or diving.

Roughly half of respondents were visiting Tiritiri Matangi Island or its surrounding waters for the first time (51%, compared with 48% who had visited before). Two thirds (66%) had come on Fullers Ferry and one third (33%) were on private boats.

Nearly all respondents thought that there are advantages in establishing a network of marine reserves around New Zealand (97%), and around three-quarters had visited a marine reserve before (76%).

People were asked what percentage of the marine area should be protected in marine reserves, and almost half (49%) of respondents thought that 20% should be protected. The next most common answers were 10%, 30% and 50% (see graph below).

Eighty six percent of respondents thought that a marine reserve around Tiritiri Matangi Island would help protect and enhance the marine environment of the area, and 83% thought that a marine reserve should be established around the island.

Almost half of respondents said that a marine reserve around Tiritiri Matangi Island would make them more likely to visit the Island or surrounding waters (49%, compared with 6% who would be less likely to visit and 44% no change).

Fifty nine percent of people said that a marine reserve would increase their enjoyment of visiting Tiritiri Matangi Island (compared with 7% who said it would decrease their enjoyment and 32% no change). The same number said that a marine reserve would increase their enjoyment of the waters surrounding Tiritiri Matangi Island (compared with 9% who said it would decrease their enjoyment and 31% no change).