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 October 2022 wave, surveying activity from the previous month - September 2022, is available below.

• Monthly Topline Report – October 2022 - Department of Conservation

Key findings for October 2022

• 44% have visited at least one Protected Natural Area in the past month, while 29% have visited at least one Protected Heritage Place. This remains stable compared to the past two months but is higher than a year ago, no doubt reflecting how Auckland was in a Covid-19 lockdown 12 months ago.
• Visitation frequency has increased too, in line with expected seasonal changes.
• Satisfaction with the overall experience at Protected Natural Areas remains high, especially for the exercise. However, satisfaction with the condition of toilets remains less satisfactory, and information and stories about nature, Māori culture could be improved.
• Protected Natural Areas’ NPS has fallen due to an increase in detractors and decrease in promoters. This may be a seasonal effect given the low score also recorded in October 2021, reflecting the winter period being covered.
• Satisfaction with the overall experience at Protected Heritage Places has decreased slightly, with facilities satisfaction continuing a very slow decline. Although not statistically significant, the consequtive falls in satisfaction with PHP signage and maintenance should be noted. Despite minor declines in facility satisfaction, most visitors remain highly positive about their most recent experience at a Protected Heritage Place.
• Protected Heritage Places’ NPS has continued to decrease, now at its lowest level since tracking began

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.