A recent survey has provided a snapshot of New Zealanders' relationship with their backyards, revealing trends towards smaller outdoor spaces and regional differences in attitudes towards nudity. The Great New Zealand Backyard Survey, conducted by research firm Perceptive for Stuff, gathered responses from over 1,000 people.
The data indicates a shift in the traditional Kiwi section, with one in ten respondents reporting they grew up with a backyard that was "just enough for a clothesline." This points to the impact of urban intensification and changing housing patterns on private outdoor space.
Regionally, the survey found Northland residents were the most likely to report sunbathing nude in their backyard, at 22%. This was followed by 18% in both Nelson and the West Coast. In contrast, only 6% of Wellingtonians admitted to the practice.
The survey also highlighted diverse uses for backyards, from vegetable gardens to spaces for children and pets. It reflects the evolving role of these private outdoor areas in New Zealand's culture and daily life.
