Exploring consumer boycotting and buycotting of global and local brands in response to brand activism in New Zealand

Category

Business, Economics and Law

Description of research project

This research explores how brand activism influences consumer decisions to boycott (avoid buying from) or buycott (actively support) brands in New Zealand. Brand activism means when companies take a public stand on social or environmental issues. We will look at how people respond to a global brand (Patagonia) and a local New Zealand brand (Ecostore) that have run activism campaigns.

The study involves individual interviews lasting about 30-45 minutes. Participants will be asked about their views and experiences with brands that support social or environmental causes, and whether these actions make them more or less likely to buy from or avoid those brands.

Participation is voluntary. The researcher will provide a small gift of appreciation to thank you for your time. All responses will be confidential and used only for academic research.

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria:
- Aged between 18 and 44 years.
- Currently living in Auckland, New Zealand, regardless of visa status (e.g., citizen, resident visa, work visa, student visa, or other valid visa holders).
- Familiar with brands that take public stances on social or political issues (but not employed by them).

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-07-03 for 3 years.

AUTEC approval number

25/112

Contact person

Rotjarek Nitiworrarat, fqb3327@autuni.ac.nz

Participant information sheet

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