- 3.1 Demographic Character
- Fig 3.1 Age Profile of Sample Compared With NZ Population Aged 18 and Over
- Fig 3.2 Occupational Profile of Survey Sample Compared With NZ Population
- 3.2 Experience of Farm & Rural Life
- 3.3 Membership of Animal Welfare or Environmental Organisations
3. PROFILE OF THE SURVEY SAMPLE
Compared with the New Zealand resident population aged 18 and over (1991 Census), the survey sample was broadly representative for sex, age, work status and occupation, (Figures 3.1 and 3.2) and residence.
3.1 Demographic Character
In all, 79% of respondents classified themselves as urban residents. Of these, 82% were located in the main urban areas (according to the Statistics NZ definition), 8% in the secondary urban areas, and 10% elsewhere in New Zealand. As defined by the address given for their telephone number, 72% of the respondents resided in the North Island and 28% in the South Island, compared with 74% and 26%, respectively, for the New Zealand population aged 18 and over in the 1991 census. The Auckland urban area was under-represented in the survey sample compared with the 1991 New Zealand population (i.e., 18% vs. 26%) , and there was an associated over-representation of residents from the provincial urban centres. The sex and age structure of the sample (Fig 3.1) were generally representative of the New Zealand population.
Fig 3.1 Age Profile of Sample Compared With NZ Population Aged 18 and Over
The sample
was reasonably representative of the New Zealand workforce and did not appear skewed in
favour of any particular occupational group (Fig 3.2).
Fig 3.2 Occupational Profile of Survey Sample Compared With NZ Population
3.2 Experience of Farm & Rural Life
There was a high level of experience of rural or farm life among the self-described "urban" residents: 71% had either lived in a rural area, owned or worked on a farm, or both. Only 29% had no such experience. All but three rural residents had experience of rural or farm life and 80% had owned or worked on a farm. Females were more likely to have had no rural life experience than males (29% vs. 17%). Those not working at the time of the survey were more likely than any other group not to have experienced rural or farm life.
3.3 Membership of Animal Welfare or Environmental Organisations
Overall about three-quarters of the survey sample did not belong to either an animal welfare or an environmental organisation. Twelve percent of the respondents were or had been members of an animal welfare organisation - 10% of all the survey respondents were or had been members of the RSPCA and 5% belonged to another animal welfare organisation - some in addition to the RSPCA. Respondents also listed 14 other animal organisations such as the Horse Protection League and Kennel Clubs. Males, females, urban, and rural residents were all equally likely to belong to an animal welfare organisation.
Eighteen percent of respondents were or had been members of an environmental organisation. The most popular organisations were Greenpeace (8% of respondents), Forest & Bird (4%), and the Maruia Society (1%). Thirty two other organisations and groups were also listed by the respondents. Membership of such organisations was evenly spread between males and females. Membership was highest among the 40-59 year olds. There was a slightly higher rate of membership for urban residents than rural residents. Membership of environmental groups was highest among managers and professionals, and lowest among those not in the workforce and those in blue collar jobs.
There was considerable overlap in membership of animal welfare and environmental organisations - 40% of the members of animal welfare organisations were also members of environmental organisations, and just on 25% of environmental members also belonged to an animal welfare organisation.
Contact for Enquiries
Manager, Strategic Science Team
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0115
Fax: +64 4 894 0731
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