NZ Centre for Political Research

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*A Party which heeds the views of its people gets my vote. Peter

*I dislike the arrogance of Central Government in deciding what they tell us to have instead of us having input. I think the system that Switzerland uses is superb. Peter

*Empowerment restored to the people would create a more politically aware society, as they would know that their opinion mattered. Ken

*Accountability to the voting public is critical - too many of these parliamentarians lose their prespective on why they are in the House. They think they know better than many of the educated and well-informed citizens -and mostly they are wrong! Chris

*They will have to do something to make me vote for any of them. Keith

*My bottom line is the abolition of the Maori seats so the party who pledges to do that will get my vote. Monica

*Where has our democracy gone? Dave

*It would be one tiny, measly morsel of a way to get control back to the people so, yes, it would make me more likely to vote for them. Peter

*Keep the buggars accountable. Geoff

*Absolutely. Direct Democracy is surely the most urgent change we need in our political system. We've been given the run around by the politicians for far too long! It's time power was returned to the people. I believe that most of us would be quite happy to let the elected government get on with the job provided they stuck to their stated mandate and refrained from stitching up special deals which were unacceptable to the citizens.
The newly launched Conservative Party seems to support binding referendums but proposes a higher threshold (67%).
For those interested in Direct Democracy I strongly recommed the report "Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond" which can be downloaded from the internet.
Among its findings it makes the perfectly reasonable proposition that the existence of the blocking referendum power by citizens compels the politicians to genuinely consult with the citizens before bringing in sensitive or controversial legislation. Surely it's about timw we had that here!
Decades ago the Swiss voters took a stand and demanded that they have a decision making power in their own country. And why not? A country belongs to its citizens,not just to the politicians and vested interest groups.
I hope enough of us will make a stand on this issue and support only a Party which will uphold the rights of New Zealanders to have a real voice on the issues which affect our country and our lives! Denis

*Actually I would definitely vote for them even though getting rid of the Maori Seats, MMP and racial legislation together with racial privilege will be the deciders for me this election. At the moment politicians ride roughshod over our wishes, taking no notice at all. The people need to take back control of the country. We only have a democracy once every 3 years at the moment - the election and then it reverts back to a dictatorship. B+H

*Again you've hit the spot about race-based politics. The Key government has again sold out to the Maori party.
The other question that needs asking is why we need 121 MPs? Surely 90 is sufficient representation for a country of our population. Of this 90, maximum 30 should be list MPs so that most MPs are accountable to the public at large. Laurence

*John Key made promises to win last election and broke them after elected. Binding referendum would stop this. George

FPP in Detail

There would be 120 Members of Parliament.

Types of MPs?

There would be 120 electorates each electing one MP. On the basis of current census data there would be:

27 South Island general electorates
81 North Island general electorates
12 Maori electorates

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*Are we more informed of skullduggery in politics today or has it always being like this hidden from our view? Brian

*All things being equal no question. I am digusted with the arrogance of politicians of both major parties ignoring us completely re referenda to date. Frank

*This would be a small step toward our lost democracy. Rod

*As long as it wasn't the greens I could be swayed by such a promise. Bruce

*Veto Ref binding system essential! Don

*I do not believe any of the parties or candidates would go for this "hand brake" on their ambitions. Our present system is not about democracy, it is all about unbridled plutocracy. You cant expect a species such as these bottom feeders to vote themselves powerless,but to also give the electorate what they do indeed expect. The Greens could have counted on my vote, this time around. That was until they announced their intentions towards the Maori Party. There cannot be an MP in the house that is committed towards giving us what we need, as opposed to what they want. Wiremu

*The chances of any political party making a veto referendum binding are about the same as being given a referendum on the retention of the racist part-maori seats in parliament -zilch! John

*We need a check on this Government.The foreshaw and sea bebacle is evidence enough to make this necessary. John

*... but I wouldn't trust a single one of them! Chris

*Too many radical changes have happened which were not in the National party policies when I voted for them. Too much
has been given to Maori, when there was no need to. NZ is for all the population, not just the one's who make the most noise. NZ is for all New Zealanders. Mal

*NZ politically frightening. Marie

*I wonder if any party would implement this..referendums do not seemto be successful in this political atmosphere. Jane

*Democracy, yeh!!!!! Peter

*But we have learned through bitter experience not to trust election promises from ANY party. Barrie

*I would not believe them. Barry

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*Yes, because it would indicate a party that was prepared to listen to the electorate — but fat chance of finding one! Our dumbed-down electors, whose only source of information is television with a government spin are a pushover for cynical politicians. Rob

*Thank you for bringing the subject up. Peter

*If it's good enough for the Swiss it's good enough for us. We cannot let the present dictatorship continue. Ronmac

*I am totally opposed to MMP & to any Political Party in favour of it! Ian

*Not until we have a Political party that can be trusted to do as they "promise". Maurice

*It's time our elected officials listened to the people who voted for them. Murray

*I would certainly be likely to vote yea in this case. I would certainly vote for any party that would make a ratepayer referendum compulsory when local bodies spend $2 million plus on non core projects. This was involved in what was once the Regulatory Responsibility Bill. It is not mentioned in a speech by R.Hide outlining the amended version of the R.R.B. Peter

*Are we not all completely sick of being mugged by whoever we elect to govern. Baron

*Have to look at it. Elsa

*Ummm, it's hard to trust any party most are corrupt. Frank

*We need to have a say. Once every 3 years clearly does not work because governments promise one thing then just do as they please. Neil

*Are we more informed of skullduggery in politics today or has it always being like this hidden from our view? Brian

*All things being equal no question. I am digusted with the arrogance of politicians of both major parties ignoring us completely re referenda to date. Frank

*This would be a small step toward our lost democracy. Rod

*As long as it wasn't the greens I could be swayed by such a promise. Bruce

*Veto Ref binding system essential! Don

*I do not believe any of the parties or candidates would go for this "hand brake" on their ambitions. Our present system is not about democracy, it is all about unbridled plutocracy.You cant expect a species such as these bottom feeders to vote themselves powerless,but to also give the electorate what they do indeed expect.The Greens could have counted on my vote, this time around. That was until they announced their intentions towards the Maori Party. There cannot be an MP in the house that is committed towards giving us what we need, as opposed to what they want. Wiremu

*The chances of any political party making a veto referendum binding are about the same as being given a referendum on the retention of the racist part-maori seats in parliament -zilch! John

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*Absolutely! I'm very very disgusted with the political parties in NZ, how they cheat on the people for their own sake of power. No promises are kept, so binding referendums are a must to reinstal a proper democratie. And one country one law for all. No race based laws what so ever! Cheers. Will

*Of course what the exact question in a referendum should be, allows the devil into the detail. John

*But it depends on which party it is! No way would I vote for a namby-pamby, socialist party hell bent on turning the clocks back in NZ about 170 years. Gary

*The skills and behaviours required to get elected to parliament mean we have the best street fighters, orators and showmen running our country. So the people need checks and balances because these people have no proven leadership ability or sagacity. John

*What NZ needs is a truly courageous party made up of people of good, solid character, steadfast morals, keen intellect, a level head, and a passion to SERVE those who pay their salaries. Alternatively, a military dictatorship might be the only way to disband the farce we call "parliament" & start the whole thing from scratch. However, NZers have become very timid, selfish & apathetic (or is that "pathetic"?), so I don't see either happening - more's the pity. Peter

*I agree with Steve Baron that the collective wisdom of all kiwis far exceeds the self serving decisions of our MPs. Grant

*Meaning more likely to vote for a party that actually DID what it promised. Derek

*If referendums are not binding they are actually a waste of bloody time!!! & MONEY. Peter

*However the politicians cannot be trusted and will probably manipulate the legislation to give themselves more power and less democracy for the voter. John

*I feel so frustrated with Key & Co for the way they continue to pander to Maori demands. I will vote for ACT this time. As for binding referenda, it's a joke as the pollies won't want it if it reduces their power and arrogance, so we're wasting our time even talking about it. Carolyn

*We have seen in recent times what happens in other countries when so-called governments suppress the people of their democratic rights and processes over a long period of time..... those types of events will likely occur here in NZ. Bruce

*This would enable me to have more faith in the MP and the political party. At present I do not have any faith in them at all. Dorothy

*Binding Referenda are already operating successfully in other enlightened countries around the world. The only reason we can't get it introduced here is because this entire bunch of self serving politicians ( with a few exceptions) want to retain control & to keep manipulating us sheep (or are we "goats-to-the-slaughter"????) What with small minority parties having control over parliament by their blackmailing techniques & us citizens only being able to express our displeasure at being manipulated & lied to on a regular basis, we can hardly be called a democracy, can we???? What do you call our twisted system of govt???? Bring back FPP!!!!!!! Dave

*Time we got shot of mmp and rigged packages for the boys. John

*Binding referendums mean government by hysteria. K

*With the lust for power becoming more and more to the fore since we departed from our Christian roots (sorry, but it's true!) I cannot see any politician ever condoning the Swiss model in this country. Don't we wish!!! David

*I am at a point where I feel anything but this John Key Government will get my vote. When I saw him doing his Billy T James impersonation on Letterman and what an embarrassment he was trying to be funny. His "get the Whanau and slap on the Jandals", along with the false grin, oh spare me. I am also sure I heard him say on Radio news yesterday that the redistribution of money due to Working for families was working due to the average wage now being $51,000 I am beginning to think we are living in a communist state. Anyone reading this please confirm I did or didn't get his comment wrong. If he did make this remark it's time the top 10% wage earners seriously think about leaving NZ. He wants to keep a minimum wage and then tops the workers up with Welfare. Chris

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*This alone may not be enough.

If they were also to:
* Make moari pay back ALL the monies they have stolen from working New Zealanders AND
* Drop income tax in favour of 25% GST AND
* Start immigration testing (2 x 3 hour English exams, 3 hour NZ Laws, 3 hour NZ History, 3 hour NZ religion) AND
* Make it illegal for buildings to have minarets AND
* Actually punish criminals AND
* Deport immigrants who commit any crime (with their family if needed) AND * Settle Waitangi once and for all (my 8 year old saw this in Te Papa and said "but it's pretty simple Dad")

Then I'd be voting for a truly right-wing party - not a Lational or a Nabour socio-communist, bleeding-heart, left-leaning, tree-hugging, sandal-wearing pack of spineless wimps. Mark

*It is unlikely that politicians would commit to any changes in the system that would put their self serving agenda's in jeopardy. Ray

*As long as the party kept their promise to make a Veto Referendum binding. Louise

*The question is; can such a Party be found to do this? To give power away into the hands of its citizens by any Political Party would be unique. Only by a huge public demand backed by force will give New Zealand a basic Constitution whereby Politicians become OUR servants. Then a Binding/Veto Referendum have any chance of seeing the light of day! Brian

*It seems only right that the people have the power to accept or reject. Gerry

*Unless Referendums are binding, it is not much use voting in them, apart from showing our displeasure. With our present MMP and Maori separist seats system, we are a bit like flotsam and jetson, floating about in the sea of political deceit. It's all a bit depressing, specially reading in your article about Maori seats and influence growing by the day. Lorraine

*Democracy is a precious gem that has been horribly sullied in New Zealand by unconscionable politicians in back room deals. Alan

*Pollies are able to ride roughshod over us is because they know we have no power over them once they have lied their way in to power. If we had a law making Veto Referendum binding it just MIGHT help to reign in Smiley John, can you imagine how we will be treated if this mob get a second bite of the cherry! Tony

*Yes, more likely, but that would come with provisos of course...I would not vote for a party that continued with this separatist NZ that we have at present, which unfortunately particularly includes The National Party. Audrey

*We also need to get rid of the List Members. John

*Absolutely sick of the low down tactics used by politicians and bureaucrats. I believe government and senior bureaucrats are brainwashing those under their control. Malcolm

*But could I be assured that they would keep their promise????????? Eneka

*The National Party has become the de facto Maori Party of New Zealand. Tom

This week's poll asks:

If a political party promised to amend the law to make a Veto Referendum binding, would that make you more likely to vote for them, less likely, or make no difference at all?

*We are starting to look like a dysfunctional pacific island like Fiji. We can laugh at Fiji and the politics there but this is not funny when it happens at home. Tim

*Anything to improve the accountability of our democracy. Will

*It is long past time that binding referenda were introduced. It is the only way to balance the power between government and citizens. Paul

*Yes, it would absolutely influence my election vote - I am fed up with politicians riding roughshod over the public interest. Ken

*So far I think Winston Peters is the only one talking about binding referenda. I am definitely looking at NZF for that reason mainly. Sue

*I am sick to the back teeth of the arrogance of politicians who are so full of promises and platitudes when they are campaigning but then become so arrogant once they are elected. It is unbelievable how much they change. We saw it with the foreshore and seabed and it was dreadful. This isn't a democracy it is a dictatorship and it needs to change. George

*New Zealanders deserve a government that listens to the voice of the people and delivers accordingly. Politicians are there because of the will of the people - not for their own benefit. They seem to have forgotten that. Peter

*Race based seats have to be removed! Ian

*It's always happened that MPs have pursued their own agenda once elected but not generally so blatantly ignoring the public as they did with the smacking referendum. I am definitely doing my bit to push for a binding veto referendum - that would even out the distribution of power to some extent. Michael

*I vote this way despite knowing that parties do not keep promises! Peter

*Referenda should have been made binding in 1993 when the CIR Act was introduced. Politicians sold out the public interest at that stage. Until that is changed to give us some power, the public will always be treated like fools. Steve