“Mixed signals: Stated preferences for future states of three New Zealand rivers”

We conducted an online choice survey to inform advice to the Tasman District Council on setting management objectives for multiple uses and values across several catchments. One sub-sample was recruited via a survey company and a second via a public call with prize draw. From a survey with unlabelled choice sets for three rivers, we estimated a separate model for each river. Coefficients for natural character, fish & fishing, local jobs and cost were generally significant and had expected signs. Coefficients on swimming and boating attributes were weak even though 68% and 31%, respectively, of the panel sample reported engaging in these activities. Levels of attributes varied for the three rivers and, together with within-sample variation, made cross-river comparisons challenging. Latent class analysis was used to assess non-attendance with interesting results. The panel and public sample results highlighted the effect of random versus non-random sampling.