Poll Shows Aucklanders Back Farmers On Export Growth

A new poll shows strong public support - especially in Auckland - for cutting green tape to boost agricultural exports and help grow the economy.

The independent poll asked 1000 New Zealanders if regulations, including environmental regulations, 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% of respondents said yes, 35% said no, and 18% were unsure - but the biggest surprise came from Auckland.

"In Auckland, 62% of people backed cutting regulation to enable export growth. Only 23% were opposed," Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.

"That’s a huge vote of confidence from New Zealand’s largest city - and from the block of voters who often decide elections."

The poll results should challenge some of the old assumptions about urban-rural divisions, Langford says.

"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 result sends a clear message that New Zealanders are behind farmers, particularly at a time when economic resilience matters more than ever.

"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 says it’s not about removing all regulation at the expense of the environment.

"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."

Federated Farmers says it will continue to advocate 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 by Curia Market Research in June and was weighted to reflect the overall voting adult population in terms of gender, age and area.

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