The rise of vegetarians: 1 in 10 New Zealanders mostly, or completely, meat-free
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
One in 10 New Zealanders are vegetarian or mostly meat free, and they're more concerned about plastic than child welfare, research shows.
The Better Futures report released on Tuesday said our meat-free jump was up 3 per cent, from 7 per cent in 2017, and had steadily risen since 2014.
The research released on Tuesday showed plastic waste worried 72 per cent of people surveyed, compared to the 55 per cent who said they were most concerned about climate change.
However, it is the first time more than 50 per cent of surveyed Kiwis said climate change made them anxious. The protection of children concerned 67 per cent of New Zealanders.
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Generation Zero Auckland director Leroy Beckett said it was 'understandable' plastic waste was more of a concern to Kiwis than climate change because 'we feel some responsibility for creating the problem'.
'It also feels like a problem that can be solved.'
Policy changes were needed to conjure 'hope' that climate change was reversible, he said.
The Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, said discussions with Jacinda Ardern confirmed plastic as a priority which, could be 'the gateway issue' that pushed the public to demand more action on climate change and to make lifestyle changes that reduced carbon footprints.
'If the world can make a change to solve something obvious, such as plastic use and disposal, it will hopefully galvanise a call to action around other important issues such as climate change.'
Vegetarian, vegan and 'flexitarian' eating
New Zealand Vegetarian Society Wellington centre president Caroline Jack said awareness of farming had led to an increased interest in vegetarian and vegan eating.
People sought to eat healthier to reduce emissions through consumer choices.
Countdown general manager of quality, safety and sustainability Kiri Hannifin said their range was changing to have more meat alternatives.
Many had adopted a 'flexitarian diet', meaning they still ate meat a couple of days a week, she said.
'We are seeing a huge increase in the demand for more plant-based meal solutions such as veggie burgers, 'mince' made from plants, and other proteins like falafel.
'Even ice cream is going vegan.'.
In Wellington, the Hillside Kitchen and Cellar restaurant dropped meat from its menu last year.
An entirely vegan food market, the Vegan Vault, started almost two years ago with 11 stalls and recently marked its largest event with 29 vendors.
Child welfare, suicide and violence
The protection of children was a concern for 67 per cent of New Zealanders, and Children's commissioner judge Andrew Becroft said 10 per cent of children were seriously struggling.
'I was bought up as a child in the late '50s and '60s, told that New Zealand was the best place to bring up a child … it's not consistent with the statistical knowledge on child welfare that we know.
'In that sense, it's a bit of a myth.'
Suicide rates were a concern for 67 per cent of people which Becroft said had grown to be a cause of national shame.
Recently at a decile one primary school in Hawke's Bay, Becroft asked students for their concerns.
'[They said] we're spoiling our planet, we've mucked it up permanently.'
* The survey, conducted by Colmar Brunton included 1000 New Zealanders. The survey had a margin of error of + or – 3.1 per cent.