A new poll has revealed strong public support for reducing regulation to grow New Zealand’s agricultural exports – with Aucklanders showing the highest level of backing.
The Curia Market Research poll of 1,000 New Zealanders asked if regulations, including environmental rules, should be reduced to allow increases in agricultural production, in line with the Government’s ambition to double exports over the next decade.
Nationwide, 47 percent of respondents said yes, 35 percent said no, and 18 percent were unsure. But in Auckland, support was much stronger.
“In Auckland, 62 percent of people backed cutting regulation to enable export growth. Only 23 percent were opposed,” says Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.
“That’s a huge vote of confidence from New Zealand’s largest city – and from the block of voters who often decide elections.”
Langford says the results should challenge assumptions about an urban-rural divide.
“Sometimes we hear people in the provinces grumbling about the ‘JAFAs’ not understanding farming, but these numbers tell a different story. It turns out Aucklanders do understand where their bread is buttered, quite literally.”
He says the poll sends a clear message that New Zealanders are behind farmers, especially at a time of economic pressure.
“This shows people are looking for practical solutions. Aucklanders, like everyone else, are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and they want to see growth. They want jobs, exports, and a strong economy – and they understand farming is key to delivering that.”
Langford stresses the issue was not about abandoning environmental protections.
“What we’re talking about is cutting the unnecessary rules that are holding back productivity without adding any real environmental value. If we’re serious about doubling exports, we need to back the sectors that do the heavy lifting – and that starts with agriculture.”
He says Federated Farmers would continue to push for “smart, workable policy that supports both the environment and the economy.”
“Farmers don’t need praise – they just need practical policy. It’s good to know that even in our biggest city, Kiwis are standing with us,” Langford says.
The poll was conducted in June and weighted to reflect the voting-age population by gender, age and region.
