The Public Pulse of Conservation is a survey of Aotearoa New Zealand residents conducted by the Department of Conservation. The survey is administered on behalf of the department by Ipsos, and captures 1,000 responses every month. The results from each monthly survey ‘wave’ are normally published by the end of the month in which they are collected.

Ipsos collates a monthly topline report summarising the findings from the survey. The report for the August 2022 wave, surveying activity from the previous month - July 2022, is available below.

• Monthly Topline Report – August 2022

Key findings for August 2022

• This month, the number of New Zealanders visiting at least one Protected Natural Area (45%) in the past month has decreased slightly from July (49%), whereas Protected Heritage Place visits (28%) have fallen compared to July (45%).
• Visitor frequency for both Protected Natural Areas (1.7) and Protected Heritage Places (0.9) has slightly decreased compared to July (1.8 and 1.0 respectively). This could be due to the abnormally high rainfall experienced across much of the country and / or the renewed ability to travel overseas without being subject to COVID-19 quarantine requirements.
• Younger New Zealanders (18–34) and Māori continue to have the highest visitation rates to both Protected Natural Areas and Heritage Places.
• Visitors to Protected Natural Areas and Heritage Places are satisfied overall, although information around nature, Māori culture, etc. could be improved at Protected Natural Areas, while toilet cleanliness could be improved at both types of location.
• Protected Heritage Places’ NPS has decreased to its lowest level since tracking began (19 points). This can be attributed to an increase in Passive ratings and a decrease in Promoters. Protected Natural Areas’ NPS remains stable at a lower level compared to the first half of 2022.

The Sustainable Tourism Explorer will soon be updated with measures from the Public Pulse of Conservation survey, and a data release page will be developed to surface key data for you to interact and download for your own insights.