Revealing the Underreported Carbon Emissions of Lifestyle Blocks in New Zealand

Introduction

Nearly 53% of New Zealand (NZ)’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the agricultural sector, of which over 90% are from livestock. Lifestyle blocks (LBs), which have been growing in popularity in NZ over the last 20 years, are semi-rural properties (0.5–50 ha) that typically prioritise lifestyle aspirations over production and commercial gains. As a result, their owners demonstrate a strong behavioural preference for keeping livestock for recreational or personal purposes. These livestock are often underreported and frequently excluded from national GHG emission inventories. Existing research has roughly estimated that including them could increase NZ’s total carbon emissions by 1–2%. However, detailed data on livestock and management practices on LBs remain limited, making it difficult to accurately assess their contribution to national carbon budgets and environmental impacts.

Methods

This article presents insights from a national survey of LB owners, which collected detailed information on livestock keeping, land use practices, resource consumption behaviours, and sustainability engagement. Data were analysed using a carbon footprint framework across four key environmental factors, water, carbon, land, and biodiversity, to reveal their potential challenges and contributions.

Results and Conclusion

Findings reveal that 93% of respondents keep at least one type of livestock, and 77% own high-emission animals such as sheep and cattle. These animals are primarily raised for long-term personal enjoyment rather than meat production, resulting in a carbon footprint pattern that differs from traditional, production-oriented livestock farming. Nonetheless, LB owners generally show strong environmental awareness, engaging in sustainable land management practices like composting, manure reuse, and rainwater harvesting, as well as biodiversity conservation efforts like native tree planting and weed control. These positive actions can significantly offset livestock-related carbon emissions. With appropriate financial incentives and technical knowledge support, LB owners could contribute more meaningfully to climate change and NZ’s broader sustainability goals.