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Public Perceptions of New Pest Control Methods

Tranche 1: Project 2.6

One of the nation’s largest surveys on public attitudes toward new pest control technologies has shown that most New Zealanders support the need for pest control.

Carried out in 2017, the BioHeritage Challenge survey assessed the perceptions, beliefs and attitudes of 8,000 people, including about 1,000 Māori.

Highlights

The survey found that:

  • 84% agree pest species are a significant conservation problem
  • 14% think current pest control measures are adequate
  • 61% are aware of New Zealand’s goal to become Predator Free by 2050.

In relation to potential pest control technologies including gene drive, the survey found:

  • 32% were comfortable with these developments
  • 18% felt they should never be used
  • 50% were undecided or wanted strong controls
  • 42% supported trojan female techniques
  • 52% supported a species-specific toxin.

Overall, the survey findings illustrated the varying viewpoints of the New Zealand public. This highlights the importance of continuing open and transparent public discussions while inventors and scientists start the process of developing new pest control technologies.

Project Leader

  • Dr Edy MacDonald, Department of Conservation

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated August 1, 2024, 17:27 (NZST)
Created February 27, 2024, 16:08 (NZDT)
Start Date 2017-01
End Date 2019-06