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Majority of New Zealanders View Mining Positively, New Poll Finds
A new nationwide survey has found that mining enjoys more support than opposition among New Zealanders, with many recognising its contribution to jobs, exports, and economic growth.
The Curia Market Research poll, which surveyed 1,400 people across the country, found that 43 per cent viewed mining favourably, while 22 per cent viewed it negatively. This gave the industry a net favourability rating of +21 per cent. A further 32 per cent of respondents held a neutral opinion.
Support was especially strong in areas with a mining presence. In Waihi, 72 per cent of respondents viewed mining favourably, while support reached 83 per cent on the West Coast. Men were generally more supportive than women, although attitudes remained relatively consistent across different age groups.
The survey found that 72 per cent of New Zealanders considered mining either very important or somewhat important to the national economy. Respondents identified preserving local jobs and communities as the industry's most valuable contribution. Export earnings and contributions to Gross Domestic Product also ranked highly, with more than three-quarters saying mining delivered value through exports and wider economic activity.
Despite this support, respondents also expressed concerns. Almost half were significantly concerned about profits leaving New Zealand, while environmental issues, including biodiversity, conservation land, waterways, and climate change, remained important considerations.
The poll also revealed uncertainty about the sector's economic contribution. When asked whether wine or mining generated greater export earnings, 52 per cent believed wine exports were larger. Only 32 per cent correctly identified mining as the bigger export earner.
Support increased when respondents considered minerals used in renewable energy technologies. Fifty-eight per cent preferred New Zealand to mine its own minerals rather than rely on imports. That figure rose to 71 per cent after participants were informed about New Zealand's high environmental and employment standards for mining operations.
When presented with a scenario involving a mine creating 500 jobs while requiring the relocation of several native species on conservation land, 46 per cent supported the proposal and 29 per cent opposed it.
Economic benefits were the strongest drivers of positive attitudes. Seven in ten respondents said local economic gains, employment opportunities, and contributions to the renewable energy transition would improve their view of mining. Transparency, site rehabilitation, and strict environmental monitoring were also regarded as important.
The Government's Fast-track Approvals law recorded more support than opposition, while respondents were also generally supportive of increased mining activity over the next decade, particularly for critical minerals. The survey further found that 60 per cent of New Zealanders had a fair or great amount of trust in mining companies to meet environmental conditions attached to their operations.