Motivations, barriers, and enablers of native wildlife conservation in the Auckland region of Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand
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Date
2025
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Massey University
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Abstract
The decline of biodiversity is a global concern. In Aotearoa New Zealand, biodiversity conservation is considered to be of high importance by both the government and the public. Across landscapes, environmental managers have worked with communities to conserve biodiversity, including native wildlife. In spite of widespread conservation efforts, however, populations of native species have continued to decline. Engaging in conservation efforts is particularly challenging in urban contexts, as cities are known to have highly diverse social, cultural and ecological characteristics, making the design and implementation of biodiversity-focused management solutions a difficult process. In order for environmental management solutions to succeed, approaches must maintain an awareness of the factors influencing the motivations, barriers, and enablers that define the community’s interest in conservation, and will likely dictate the support for particular conservation efforts. This research examines the perceived motivators, barriers, and enablers of native wildlife and conservation in the Auckland region of Aotearoa New Zealand, as identified by people already involved in wildlife conservation efforts, in both paid and volunteer capacities. It also explores the primary threats native wildlife that participants identified as proper to the Auckland region, and the required conservation management actions. The research employs a mixed-methods approach comprising of a self-administered online survey and semi-structured interviews. Information was gathered regarding the participants’ primary concerns about the conservation of native New Zealand wildlife, and the factors influencing their conservation behaviours. Thematic and textual analysis were used to analyse the data, with the application of a theoretical framework sited in Conservation Social Science as a disciplinary field. Results revealed that the motivations for people’s involvement in conservation efforts are primarily intrinsic, commonly based on the love for nature. Barriers and enablers to conservation, for both individuals and organisations, were perceived to be interconnected, and chiefly related to factors such as funding, time, knowledge-sharing, and geographical location. Social media emerged as a particularly effective tool in maintaining community conservation networks, raising awareness about conservation initiatives, and encouraging involvement from potential volunteers. Habitat loss and introduced mammalian predators were identified as the primary threats to native wildlife in the Auckland region, with factors such as urban expansion and climate change being influential. The research concludes that determining their perceived motivators, barriers, and enablers of conservation efforts for people involved can be useful in facilitating decision-making and enhancing collaboration between various conservation stakeholders as part of larger environmental management frameworks.
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native wildlife, conservation, Auckland region, New Zealand, community, volunteers, motivations, barriers, enablers