The Value of Native Birds in New Zealand: Results of a Waikato Survey

Several New Zealand studies have placed a value on recreation. Very few have placed a value on native birdlife. In this report, we make a contribution to this deficiency in the literature. In December 2007 and January 2008, we conducted a phone survey in the Waikato Region of New Zealand. In total, 207 people took part in answering our 13 question survey on native birds. While this information has given us a great deal of insight into the values Waikato residents place on birdlife in the area, some of the most important things we have learned are as follows: 97 % of respondents enjoy having birds in their area. The things they enjoy include listening to them, watching them, and that they are part of nature. The tui seems to be the most important bird respondents either see currently, or if they do not see it now, they would like to see it in the future. If there were a greater variety of bird types in their area, respondent well-being would significantly increase. There are several programs in the Waikato Region that are either directly or indirectly linked to an increase in the native bird populations including Maungatautari Ecological Mainland Island, pest control, and the Hamilton Halo Project. Sadly, only 45 % of respondents had heard of even one of these projects. According to this survey, only 23 % of our Waikato respondents had heard of the Maungatautari project and only 6 % had heard of the Halo project. When asked whether respondents would pay an extra amount in their rates each year to support a native bird project within the Waikato Region, most were willing. Towards the end of the survey, we gave respondents a general overview of the Maungatautari project and 100 % of respondents believed it was important. We believe these results can be applied to future policy making decisions