Culturally mediated perceptions of climate change risks in New Zealand

As New Zealand moves towards implementing measures under its new zero carbon climate change act, it is increasingly important to understand the differences in public perceptions of climate change risks, as these can significantly foster or hinder climate change decision-making. While there is some existing research on a range of stakeholder views, beliefs and values pertaining to climate change risks in New Zealand, this paper argues for a more nuanced appreciation for who the ‘public’ is in the country. In an increasingly multi-cultural society, cultural differences across local population groups in climate change risk perception as well as in terms of their varying information needs is relevant to improved science communication and ultimately to improved climate change planning and decision-making.