Poll results NZ Centre for Political Research

Dr Muriel Newman

Contact Muriel:

Phone 09 4343 836
Fax 09 4344 224
or 021 800 111.

PO Box 984, Whangarei

Reader polls - scroll down to see results from all previous polls...

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This week's poll:

On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 better than 1), how do you rate the government’s 2013 Budget?

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Previous polls

Do you think our politicians should be guided by Singapore’s model of success?

Result: Yes 96%
No 4%

Responses received: 615 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the NZ Geographic Board’s proposal to introduce Maori names for the North and South Islands?

Result: Yes 2%
No 98%

Responses received: 2904 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe Labour’s plan to raise the top rate of tax will improve the economy?

Result: Yes 6%
No 94%

Responses received: 807 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Labour-Green announcement was an act of political sabotage or simply keeping the investment market fully informed?

Result: Sabotage 93%
Inform 7%

Responses received: 2025 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the principles of the Waitangi Treaty be included in a New Zealand Constitution?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received: 1591 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the call for all business activities carried out by a charity, that are unrelated to their charitable purpose, being taxed?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received: 993 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should bank deposits be guaranteed by taxpayers?

Result: Yes 24%
No 76%

Responses received: 609 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the appointment of Dame Susan Devoy as the new Race Relations Commissioner?

Result: Yes 95%
No 5%

Responses received: 2005 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think there is a place for a citizens democracy party in New Zealand?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received: 1305 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree that the RMA needs to be overhauled?

Result: Yes 97%
No 3%

Responses received: 743 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with Greenpeace when it says all of New Zealand’s energy should to be produced from renewable energy sources by 2025?

Result: Yes 10%
No 90%

Responses received: 1602 Reader comments on this topic >>>

In question 11 of the 2013 Census, when asked “Which ethnic group do you belong to?” should “New Zealander” be an option?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received: 1401 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should teachers be forced to promote the ‘Maori world view’ to their students?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received: 1602 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support an extension of the term of Parliament from three to four years?

Result: Yes 49%
No 51%

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you consider Waitangi Day to be a day of national unity?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received: 2313 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support a single electoral franchise for New Zealand?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:1293 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that the Children’s Commissioner’s estimate that 270,000 children live in poverty in New Zealand is realistic?

Result: Yes 8%
No 92%

Responses received:711 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Maori Electoral Option be retained or abolished?

Result: Retained 2%
Abolished 98%

Responses received:1125 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

Result: Yes 96%
No 4%

Responses received:1023 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think Maori fishing operators should be required to man their vessels with NZ crews and be subject to NZ processing standards?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received:1183 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support Labour’s plan to borrow and build 100,000 homes?

Result: Yes 10%
No 90%

Responses received:612 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the demographic of the NZ electorate is shifting to the left, right, or staying the same?

Result:         Left               74%
                    Right                8%
                    Same              18%

Responses received:424 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you approve of $4 million of taxpayer money being spent on the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received:1231 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Green Party’s plan to print money is necessary?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received:763 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with Professor Allan that a written Treaty-based constitution would be a disaster for New Zealand?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:945 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the direction of the government’s welfare reforms?

Result: Yes 88%
No 12%

Responses received:724 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand is at risk of becoming an “apartheid” nation?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:1554 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the publication of National Standards data?

Result: Yes 93%
No 7%

Responses received:447 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:2145 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How well do you feel your MPs represent your views - very well, adequately, not well at all?

Result:         Wwell                 1%
                    Adequate           2%
                    Not well at all    97%

Responses received:663 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the growing trend to give iwi co-governance rights over public resources such as rivers, mountains, parks and reserves is in the best interest of the country?

Result: Yes 2%
No 98%

Responses received:1321 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the Electoral Commission’s recommendation to reduce the party vote threshold to 4 percent?

Result: Yes 13%
No 87%

Responses received:561 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should John Key stick to his guns that no-one owns water - even if it means the Maori Party will leave the Coalition?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:1569 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Waitangi Tribunal should be abolished?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received:1173 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe activists overstate the environmental threat in New Zealand?

Result: Yes 94%
No 6%

Responses received:684 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you supportive of the Partnership School trial?

Result: Yes 86%
No 14%

Responses received:456 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support a greater public policy focus on child abuse prevention?

Result: Yes 91%
No 9%

Responses received:425 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should tribal corporations get any special treatment regarding the sale of shares in Mighty River Power?

Result: Yes 1%
No 99%

Responses received:1218 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How satisfied are you with your local council? Satisfied, Neutral, Dissatisfied.

Result:         Dissatisfied   83%
                    Neutral           13%
                    Satisfied           4%

Responses received:453 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the government be required to hold a binding public referendum to pass a new constitution into law?

Result: Yes 98%
No 2%

Responses received:726 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe race-based affirmative action programmes do more social harm than good?

Result: Yes 97%
No 3%

Responses received:753 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should New Zealand follow the lead of Alabama and ban Agenda 21 from our laws and practices?

Result: Yes 96%
No 4%

Responses received:943 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the current trend towards amalgamations and bigger local body councils?

Result: Yes 18%
No 82%

Responses received:457 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the government have backed down on its attempt to reprioritise education spending to improving the quality of teaching?

Result: Yes 21%
No 79%

Responses received:523 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Police were right to charge the Urewera four?

Result: Yes 99%
No 1%

Responses received:1107 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the budget is going in the right direction or the wrong direction?

Result: Right 65%
Wrong 35%

Responses received:305 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe government spending needs to be cut further, kept the same, or increased?

Result:         Cut further 92%
                    Same 3%
                    Increased 5%

Responses received:531 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Paid Parental Leave be extended to 26 weeks, kept at 14 weeks, or scrapped?

Result:                                                         70% Scrapped
                                                                   29% 14 weeks
                                                                     1% 26 weeks

Responses received:643 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that separate Maori representation on local bodies should be abolished?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received:1077 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would lower tax rates improve our economic performance?

Result: 93% Yes
7% No

Responses received:487 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How optimistic do you feel about New Zealand’s future – do you believe things will be better, the same, or worse in five years time?

Result:                                                         28% Better
                                                                   23% Same
                                                                   49% Worse

Responses received:511 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support National's plan to double the cost of the Emissions Trading Scheme over the next three years?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received:1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Ministers should approve or decline the Crafar Farm sale to Shanghai Pengxin?

Result: 47% Approve
53% Decline

Responses received:712 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Is it time to end state funded biculturalism?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received:815 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree that changes to the voting system should only be decided by a nation-wide referendum of all voters?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received:639 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should our beaches and Territorial Sea be owned by the Crown?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received:1112 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Will the planned welfare reforms be good for the country?

Result: 92% Yes
8% No

Responses received:552 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Does New Zealand need a new constitution?

Result: 12% Yes
88% No

Responses received:612 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that local government is in urgent need of reform?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received:705 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the DPB be retained, or should it be replaced by a system that provides only temporary support?

Result: 2% Retained
98% Replaced

Responses received:654 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should iwi be given a free allocation of shares in the partially privatised SOEs?

Result: 2% Yes
98% No

Responses received:1155 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Maori be given ownership rights to New Zealand’s fresh water resource?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received:1563 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you see a need for further regulation in the food industry?

Result: 6% Yes
94% No

Responses received:516 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that sending children to school hungry amounts to child abuse?

Result: 90% Yes
10% No

Responses received:471 Reader comments on this topic >>>

In a year’s time do you think the NZ economy will be: stronger, weaker, or about the same?

10% Stronger
26% Weaker
64% About the same

Responses received:504 Reader comments on this topic >>>

What do you think will be the most important political issues in 2012?

The top three main issues of concern:

economic management
race relations
welfare reform

Given that National already had the numbers to govern with ACT and United Future, do you support National entering into a Confidence and Supply agreement with the Maori Party?

Result: 17% Yes
83% No

Responses received:665 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you more likely or less likely to vote for a government that cuts costs to balance its budget?

Result: 99% More llikely
1% Less likely

Responses received:628 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you see the election result as being positive or negative for New Zealand?

Result: 72% Positive
28% Negative

Responses received:580 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you happy with New Zealdand's present MMP voting system?

Result: 12% Yes
88% No

Responses received: 738 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe our politicians are taking the international economic risks seriously enough?

Result: 5% Yes
95% No

Responses received: 504 Reader comments on this topic >>>

To reduce debt, do you think the government should increase taxes or cut government spending as the first priority?

Result: 99% Cut spending
1% Increase taxes

Responses received: 747 Reader comments on this topic >>>

If the election was held today, which party would you give your Party vote to?

Rank in order of votes received:

National
ACT
Conservatives
NZ First
Labour
United Future
Greens

Responses received: 622 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should all beneficiaries be drug tested as a condition of benefit receipt?

Result: 95% Yes
5% No

Responses received: 635 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that seats at the council table should be made available to be given as part of Treaty of Waitangi settlements?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 672 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the concept of a Maori Justice system?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1026 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe Parliament is working for you?

Result: 3% Yes
97% No

Responses received: 603 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support New Zealand’s top tax rate being raised from 33c to 39c in the dollar?

Result: 10% Yes
90% No

Responses received: 712 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the establishment of a new Constitution for New Zealand based on the Treaty of Waitangi?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1017 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the government’s goal of having 90 percent of the country’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2025?

Result: 16% Yes
84% No

Responses received: 603 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that some scientists have falsified research data to support their own theories and beliefs about global warming?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 708 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with the Coroner that there should be compulsory state intervention and monitoring oversight of the care of children living in single parent households where their parents are in receipt of a domestic purposes benefit?

Result: 89% Yes
11% No

Responses received: 724 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Is it time to end the whole claims process?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 1824 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe our government has been tough enough on welfare reform?

Result: 4% Yes
96% No

Responses received: 1016 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the emissions trading scheme should be scrapped?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 2013 Reader comments on this topic >>>

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?

Result:         More likely 94%
                   Less likely 2%
                   No difference 4%

Responses received: 834 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the introduction of a capital gains tax?

Result: 12% Yes
88% No

Responses received: 1026 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 be replaced by legislation that restores Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 2149 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you like to see the Green Party as a coalition partner in a National-led government?

Result: 4% Yes
96% No

Responses received: 1035 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the view of the Waitangi Tribunal that New Zealand should be co-governed by Maori and the Crown?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1723 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you like to see the CIR asking, “Should the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 be be replaced by legislation that restores Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed”, go ahead?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 1316 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe marriage is stilll important to society?

Result: 95% Yes
5% No

Responses received: 845 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe corporate iwi are failing their own people?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 1026 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand needs to develop a national economic strategy?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 612 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Marine and Coastal Area Act should be repealed?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 1644 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Budget went far enough to cut government spending?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 621 Reader comments on this topic >>>

What do you think is the MAIN reason why some people are long-term beneficiaries?

a) They don’t want to move off the benefit                                  80%
b) There are not enough jobs available                                         3%
c) They lack the necessary skills to fill the jobs available               8%
d) Other                                                                                     9%

Responses received: 675 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Maori have special privileges in law?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 2433 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Will Don Brash’s return to parliament be good for the country?

Result: 88% Yes
12% No

Responses received: 1608 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with the government spending $600m promoting the Maori language?

Result: 2% Yes
98% No

Responses received: 2151 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the concept of criminalising associates of a family with at-risk children if they do not report their concern to authorities?

Result: 45% Yes
55% No

Responses received: 406 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support National’s plan to combine multiple Treaty settlements into one omnibus bill that can be fast-tracked into law before the election?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 813 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support National’s 50% by 2050 emissions reduction target?

Result: 2% Yes
98% No

Responses received: 711 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should National have done more during its first two years in office to reduce the size of government?

Result: 95% Yes
5% No

Responses received: 703 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would governance in New Zealand be improved if voters had the power to propose and oppose legislation?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 1232 Reader comments on this topic >>>

DAre you concerned that the National Party is being unduly influenced by the Iwi Chairs Forum?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Marine and Coastal Area Bill is a dangerous law?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 1450 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with the Welfare Working Group that a major overhaul of the welfare system is needed?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 843 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should John Key have authorised the purchase of the thirty-four BMWs?

Result: 15% Yes
85% No

Responses received: 711 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should National withdraw the Marine and Coastal Area Bill?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 2148 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support the re-introduction of youth wage rates?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 828 Reader comments on this topic >>>

As we look forward to the election, what priority rating would you give cutting government spending – high, medium or low?

Result:                                                    96% HIGH
                                                                3% MEDIUM
                                                                1% MEDIUM

Responses received: 865 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the continuation of a national commitment to ‘biculturalism’?

Result: 3% Yes
97% No

Responses received: 864 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you feel let down by the National Party’s performance since taking office in 2008?

Result: 94% Less
6% More

Responses received: 741 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you more satisfied or less satisfied with the performance of the National government over the last 12 months?

Result: 96% Less
4% More

Responses received: 947 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Chris Finlayson be replaced as the Minister in charge of the Marine and Coastal Area Bill?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 1571 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe John Key when he says that his Marine and Coastal Area Bill will put the issue to rest once and for all?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1550 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Treaty settlement negotiations with Ngati Kahu be suspended as long as the illegal protest action at Taipa Point continues?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 1122 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Is the foreshore and seabed an issue that is likely to influence the way you vote at the next general election?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 2075 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the government is serious about bridging the income gap between New Zealand and Australia?

Result: 9% Yes
91% No

Responses received: 790 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should John Key withdraw the Marine and Coastal Area Bill?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 2024 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support reforms that would replace sole custody as the preferred family law option in New Zealand with shared parenting?

Result: 93% Yes
7% No

Responses received: 624 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should Paul Henry have lost his job?

Result: 12% Yes
88% No

Responses received: 966 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the actions of the teachers unions?

Result: 7% Yes
93% No

Responses received: 824 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Is there room in New Zealand politics for a Tea Party-style movement?

Result: 88% Yes
12% No

Responses received: 1021 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support National’s Marine and Coastal Area (Tukutai Moana) becoming law?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1015 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the ‘partnership’ concept, that gives some citizens equal status to the Crown, is a step forward for democracy in New Zealand?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 696 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should iwi be given customary title to our beaches and sea?

Result: 2% Yes
98% No

Responses received: 1012 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that New Zealand’s public service is too big for the size of our country?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 824 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand is moving down the tribalism path?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 1013 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the emissions trading scheme is providing any benefit at all for New Zealand?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1140 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the welfare system is in need of major reform?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 906 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe 20 ha (50 acres) should be the minimum subdivision lot size in rural areas?

Result: 9% Yes
91% No

Responses received: 615 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support John Key’s plan to drop the requirements that Maori claimants must own ‘contiguous’ land and that they must prove their claim in a court of law?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1818 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the “problem” of rebellious youth is any worse now than when you were young?

Result: 80% Yes
20% No

Responses received: 573 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the arming of front-line Police?

Result: 85% Yes
15% No

Responses received: 834 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand needs a proper legislative review process to ensure laws are achieving their stated objectives with minimal unintended consequences?

Result: 99% Yes
1% No

Responses received: 777 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe repealing the current foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

Result: 95% Yes
5% No

Responses received: 1062 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe shared parenting would make a difference?

Result: 94% Yes
6% No

Responses received: 603 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe National has the mandate to give ownership of the foreshore and seabed to Maori?

Result: 2% Yes
98% No

Responses received: 1635 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Can New Zealand afford an ETS?

Result: 1% Yes
99% No

Responses received: 1998 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe enshrining the Treaty of Waitangi and the Maori seats in a constitution is part of the Maori Party’s agenda?

Result: 95% Yes
5% No

Responses received: 933 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support, in principle, the concept of time limits on benefits for all but the most disabled?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 783 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How you rate National’s second budget: good, satisfactory, or poor?

Result:                                                  16% Good
                                                            39%  Satisfactory
                                                            45%  Poor

Responses received: 756 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you supportive of the establishment of Whanau Ora?

Result: 3% Yes
97% No

Responses received: 918 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe MMP delivers a disproportionate influence to minor parties?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 858 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should National follow Australia’s lead and suspend our Emissions Trading Scheme?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the affirmation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will increase racial division in New Zealand?

Result: 98% Yes
2% No

Responses received: 1224 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the present Foreshore and Seabed Act be repealed in favour of the proposal put forward by National and the Maori Party?

Result: 5% Yes
95% No

Responses received: 1596 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 1194 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support the right of New Zealanders to veto bills passed by Parliament by way of a binding referendum - if concerned citizens can gather 50,000 signatures in support of a veto petition within the first 100 days?

Result: 97% Yes
3% No

Responses received: 1497 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the welfare reforms announced by National go far enough?

Result: 5% Yes
95% No

Responses received: 891 Reader comments on this topic >>>

If New Zealanders had the same opportunity as the Swiss to approve or reject legislation within the first 100 days, do you believe the emissions trading scheme would have survived?

Result: 7% Yes
93% No

Responses received: 1083 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the disestablishment of the Human Rights Commission and the Race Relations Commissioner - agencies that cost taxpayers over $10 million a year?

Result: 96% Yes
4% No

Responses received: 1452 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think nuclear power should be considered as an electricity generation option for New Zealand in the future?

Result: 92% Very important
8% Important

Responses received: 1098 Reader comments on this topic >>>

All responses to last week’s poll question –“When you think about the future of New Zealand, what do you consider to be the biggest issues of concern?” can be read here:

http://www.nzcpr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=957

Overwhelmingly the issues of concern relate to the need for the government to take a principled approach - focussing on what’s good for the country rather than what keeps them in power - by:

Cutting spending and lowering taxes in order to boost economic growth .
Overhauling social support in order to reduce welfare dependency.
Committing to racial equality - not Maori privilege – by removing institutionalised racism in the public sector.

In addition, there was a strong advocacy for:

Scrapping the Emissions Trading Scheme and other unnecessary regulation and red tape.
Ensuring every child gets a decent education.
Refocussing local government on it’s core role (removing the power of general competence) .
Fixing family law

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send through their thoughts.

How important do you consider the need for welfare reform is?

Result: 96% Very important
4% Important

Responses received: 720 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Given the questions raised over the veracity of IPCC reports upon which New Zealand’s climate policies are based, would you support postponing the ETS?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 1458 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support National making its election promise of catching Australia by 2025 a major priority?

Result: Result: 84% YES
16% NO

Responses received: 832 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with the direction National is taking on race relations?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1491 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the Tax Working Group’s recommendation to introduce a land tax of 0.5 percent of the unimproved value of a property?

Result: 2% YES
98% NO

Responses received: 1083 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you satisfied with the MMP Review Process as outlined by the Government?

Result: 2% YES
98% NO

Responses received: 860 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Maori sovereignty flag fly alongside the New Zealand flag on Waitangi Day?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1503 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the principle of the 2025 Taskforce’s proposal that government spending be reduced down to the level it was in 2004 and 2005 so that the top tax rates can be reduced to 20 percent with lower rates staying as they are?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 711 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should New Zealand contribute to the cost of climate change adaptation, mitigation and compensation for developing countries?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 870 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Prime Minister step in and delay National’s Emissions Trading Scheme legislation?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 1792 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should there be greater taxpayer consultation regarding Treaty settlements?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 930 Reader comments on this topic >>>

On a scale of 1 to 5, how do you rate National's first year on office?

Result:

1. 17% Very poor
2. 31%
3-36%
4-11%
5-5% excellent

Average rating 2.56 out of 5. Since the mid-point of the survey was 3, this shows general dissatisfaction with National's performance.

Responses received: 921 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe electricity prices in New Zealand are too high?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 681 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that it’s time for another quango hunt?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1071 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe local councils have become an obstacle to economic growth?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1122 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the New Zealand Government rely on evidence provided by the IPCC as a basis for domestic policy-making?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1326 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support National’s emissions trading bill?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1434 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the government giving out social assistance based on race?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1338 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that a cap limiting government spending to a set percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) would be appropriate for New Zealand?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 816 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you see merit in exploring the idea of an Upper House of Parliament for New Zealand as an option for the proposed referendum on our voting system?

Result: 85% YES
15% NO

Responses received: 879 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that local councils should have special seats reserved for Maori?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1248 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support the calling of a commission of inquiry into child abuse?

Result: 88% YES
12% NO

Responses received: 728 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Given the referendum result, do you believe the government should repeal Sue Bradford’s anti-smacking law?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 1734 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that sole parents should be able to stay on a benefit until their youngest child is 18 years old?

Result: 2% YES
98% NO

Responses received: 1305 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the Government sign up for a 2020 emissions target?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1173 Reader comments on this topic >>>

What's your advice to the Prime Minister regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Should he sign the Declaration?

Result: 6% YES
94% NO

Responses received: 1734 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the setting up of a taskforce to map out a plan to close the income gap with Australia?

Result: 89% YES
11% NO

Responses received: 856 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How do you rate New Zealand’s education system?

Result: Good 6%, Average 39%, Poor 55%

Responses received: 805 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should New Zealand support the establishment of a global treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol after it expires in 2012?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1003 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand’s foreshore and seabed should remain in exclusive Crown ownership and control?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1185 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe there is a need for more transparency regarding the Treaty settlement process?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 903 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the referendum question “Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?” is ambiguous?

Result: 9% YES
91% NO

Responses received: 1407 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe race should be a basis for policy making?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1404 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that welfare reform should be a high priority, medium priority or low priority for the new government?

Result:                                95% HIGH PRIORITY
                                            3%  MEDIUM PRIORITY
                                            2% LOW PRIORITY

Responses received: 1035 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How do you rate the Government’s budget? Good, satisfactory, or disappointing?

Result:                                11% GOOD
                                          22%  SATISFACTORY
                                          67% DISAPPOINTING

Responses received: 1203 Reader comments on this topic >>>

How do you rank the NZ media in terms of giving a good balance to the debate over global warming?

Result:                                0% GOOD
                                          5%  AVERAGE
                                         95% POOR

Responses received: 948 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Government should go ahead and budget for the promised tax cuts for 2010 and 2011 if they need to be funded by cutting wasteful public spending?

Result: 6% NO
94% YES

Responses received: 1908 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you are prepared to pay higher prices for electricity generated from wind power?

Result: 92% NO
8% YES

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think education vouchers would improve student achievement in New Zealand?

Result: 86% YES
14% NO

Responses received: 732 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that all submitters who wish to make a personal submission to the Review should be allowed to do so by the ETS Select Committee?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 957 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think MMP has contributed to poor quality decision making by governments?

Result: 94% YES
6% NO

Responses received: 988 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should New Zealand ratify the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1254 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think a mega Auckland council will actually reduce rates?

Result: 8% YES
92% NO

Responses received: 983 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should National honour its election promise to deliver three years of tax cuts?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 961 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support John Key prioritising his promise to tackle the underclass problem?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 927 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe our politicians need to take more notice of the failures of the overseas emissions trading schemes?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 822 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you willing to bear the cost of an Emissions Trading Scheme?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1223 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Ministry of Women’s Affairs should be abolished?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you like to see all race-based laws expunged from New Zealand’s statute books?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1502 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that the National Government should enact Section 92A of the Copyright Act on February 28 as planned?

Result: 1% YES
99 % NO

Responses received: 816 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe National is doing enough to combat New Zealand’s economic crisis?

Result: 31 % YES
69 % NO

Responses received: 816 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the minimum wage should be increased, stay the same, be reduced, or be abolished?

Result: Increased 9%
              Same 17%
              Reduced 18%
              Abolished 56%

Responses received: 1002 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the government should go ahead and introduce a modified emissions trading scheme?

Result: 13 % YES
87 % NO

Responses received: 1503 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that all New Zealanders should be consulted over whether it is appropriate to fly a Maori flag on public facilities on Waitangi Day?

Result: 84% YES
16% NO

Responses received: 1413 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should parents on welfare have an obligation to ensure their children attend school?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1012 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the introduction of the 90-day grievance free trial period for new workers?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1698 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that the regular testing of numeracy and literacy would help to lift student achievement?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 1082 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with Dan Mitchell’s long term recipe for growth – a low flat tax of 20 percent and government spending at 30 percent of GDP?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 836 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that family breakdown is a key factor in child abuse? The NZCPR invites you to send through your suggestions for tackling the child abuse crisis?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1035 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support a select committee review including in its terms of reference a wider investigation into the scientific evidence in support of or against the existence of anthropogenic global warming?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1110 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should anyone who is unemployed and on welfare be paid to do nothing?

Result:                        2% YES
                                  98%   NO

Responses received: 1158 Reader comments on this topic >>>

What is your prediction for the number of seats won by each Parliamentary Party in our election?

NATIONAL - 62 ACT - 3 UNITED - 1
LABOUR - 43 GREENS - 7 PROGRESSIVES – 1
MAORI - 6
NZF - 0

Responses received: 816

How would you rate the quality of debate on the key issues in the election campaign to date?

Very good – 1%, Good – 2%,

Satisfactory – 7%

Poor – 44%, Very poor – 46%

Responses received: 1012 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support a binding referendum on MMP in 2011?

Result:                       98% YES
                                   2%   NO

Responses received: 1866 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe Labour's deposit insurance scheme will help its re-election chances?

Result:                       48% YES
                                 52%   NO

Responses received: 921 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with Matt McCarten’s assertion that “free market capitalism doesn’t work and never has”?

Result:                        1% YES
                                 99% NO

Responses received: 1368 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that the United Nations has too much influence on New Zealand’s domestic law?

Result:                      96% YES
                                  4% NO

Responses received: 1297 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the new government should continue with the ETS as passed, suspend it pending a full review, or repeal it?

Result: Repeal 83% Suspend 16% Leave as is 1%

Responses received: 1551 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think Helen Clark’s strategy to campaign on TRUST will be most beneficial to Labour or National?

Result: Labour 3% National 97%

Responses received: 1149 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you like to see the powers of the Human Rights Commission strengthened, reduced, left as they are, or abolished?

Result: Abolish 58%, Reduce 37%, Leave 4%, Strengthen 1%

Responses received: 1092 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support John Key’s decision to rule New Zealand First out of any coalition arrangement with a National-led government?

Result:                      84% YES
                                16% NO

Responses received: 1021 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the New Zealand Parliament has too many political parties, about the right number of parties, or not enough parties?

Result:                      82% TOO MANY
                                16% ABOUT RIGHT
                                  2% NOT ENOUGH

Responses received: 1021 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think National’s reform of the domestic purposes benefit goes far enough?

Result: 86% NO
14% YES

Responses received: 976 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

Result: 96% NO
4% YES

Responses received: 1809 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that a child’s education funding should be able to be used at an independent school?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 972 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe there is sufficient “evidence” to justify the passing of the government’s emissions trading bill?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1767 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that a culture of “moral neutrality” has developed in New Zealand?

Result: 98% YES
2% NO

Responses received: 1404 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think any government funding should have been used in the production of the “Hollow Men” play or film?

Result: 0.5% YES
99.5% NO

Responses received: 1131 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that fatherlessness is a problem in New Zealand; if so, what do you think should be done about it?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1089 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that if the government’s proposed emissions trading scheme goes ahead, agriculture should be excluded?

Result: 93% YES
7% NO

Responses received: 1335 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you concerned that the Maori seats are now causing an over- representation of Maori in the New Zealand Parliament?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 2041 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe tax thresholds in New Zealand should be automatically adjusted for inflation?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1008 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Which of the parliamentary parties would you like to see work with National if they were to gain the most votes in the general election, but not an outright majority?

88% ACT
2% Greens
9% Labour
0% Maori Party
15% NZ First
4% Progressive
36% United Future

Responses received: 1137 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that man-made global warming is a swindle?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1697 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do Michael Cullen's tax cuts meet your expectations?

Result: 10% YES
90% NO

Responses received: 1265 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the Government's propose emissions trading scheme should:

a) Proceed as planned b) Be delayed to align with Australia's scheme, or c) Be scrapped.

Result:      1% Proceed as planned
              12% Be delayed to align with Australia's scheme
              87% Be scrapped.

Responses received: 1635 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you are willing to pay higher taxes in order to fund projects to combat climate change?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1635 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe increasing welfare benefits will reduce child poverty in New Zealand?

Result: 98% NO
2% YES

Responses received: 1221 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that crime in New Zealand has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same over the last five years?

Result: 98% INCREASED
2% DECREASED

Responses received: 1275 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that Maori wards should be established in local authority areas?

Result: 9% YES
91% NO

Responses received: 1110 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the Government’s rejection of the Canadian Pension Plan $1.75 billion offer for Auckland International Airport shares is good for the country?

Result: 9% YES
91% NO

Responses received: 1110 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think New Zealand should follow the lead of Canada and withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 2203 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that beating Australia by 2020 is a worthwhile goal for New Zealand?

Result: 91% YES
9% NO

Responses received: 852 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the government in New Zealand is too big, too small or about right?

Result:              99% TOO BIG
                          0% TOO SMALL
                          1% ABOUT RIGHT

Responses received: 1698 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think the abolition of the Maori seats would make New Zealand a better place to live, a worse place to live, would make no difference?

Result:              89% BETTER
                          4% WORSE
                          7% NO DIFFERENCE

Responses received: 1212 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree or disagree with the government’s proposed emissions trading scheme?

Result: 98% DISAGREE
2% AGREE

Responses received: 2148 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Who's to blame for Labour’s slide in the polls? Is it Labour, National or "the media"?

Result:              98% Labour
                          1% National
                          1% The media

Responses received: 1473 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the principles of free choice are alive and well in New Zealand today?

Result: 95% NO
5% YES

Responses received: 1212 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe Labour’s regulation agenda has been good for New Zealand?

Result: 99% NO
1% YES

Responses received: 1353 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you view the plan of the Maori Party and the Greens to jointly hold the balance of power as a threat to the future of New Zealand?

Result: 6% NO
94% YES

Responses received: 1797 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe government policy has been a major factor behind the decline in home affordability?

Result: 4% NO
96% YES

Responses received: 918 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think it is time to phase out the Domestic Purposes Benefit and replace it with a system that supports sole parents into work and independence from the state?

Result: 2% NO
98% YES

Responses received: 2121 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that a Royal Commission should be established to investigate whether anthropogenic (man-made) global warming is a real threat and to quantify the benefits and costs to New Zealand of actively pursuing global warming reduction policies?

Result: 10% NO
90% YES

Responses received: 1350 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Will the protection of individual freedom influence the way you vote in this year’s general election?

Result: 5% NO
95% YES

Responses received: 1722 Reader comments on this topic >>>

In thinking about issues that would sway your vote in a general election,would a pledge to hold a binding referendum on MMP be one of them?

Result: 5% NO
95% YES

Responses received: 1314 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that escalating power costs is a reasonable price to pay for New Zealand becoming a world-leading sustainable nation?

Result: 98% NO
2% YES

Responses received: 1416 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Have you or your immediate family seriously considered moving to Australia?

Result: 25% NO
75% YES

Responses received: 1302 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe there is justification for introducing the Electoral Finance Bill?

Result: 98% NO
2% YES

Responses received: 20298 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that New Zealand should withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol after 16 February 2008 as provided for in Article 27?

Result: 7% NO
93% YES

Responses received: 1494 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you are satisfied that the direction of the new school curriculum is in the best interests of New Zealand students?

Result: 97% NO
3% YES

Responses received: 1320 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should taxpayers fund career beneficiaries who are able to work but choose not to?

Result: 98% NO
2% YES

Responses received: 2221 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe a maximum flat rate of tax of 21 cents in the dollar would be good for New Zealand?

Result: 3% NO
97% YES

Responses received: 1839 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that radical dissidents pose a threat to New Zealand?

Result: 14% NO
86% YES

Responses received: 1674 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you support a campaign to replace MMP with the Supplementary Member system as proposed by Don Brash? (View Don Brash article >>>)

Result: 94% YES
6% NO

Responses received: 2022 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think New Zealand children should be protected from political indoctrination by introducing provisions into the Education Act that are similar to British law?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1629 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the government should be interfering with the pricing mechanism of free markets?

Result: 4% YES
96% NO

Responses received: 1012 Reader comments on this topic >>>

What do you think will be the key 2008 election issue?

Result:      Tax 34%
                Climate change 20%
                Economy 15%
                Crime 12%
                Regulation 9%
                Health 5%
                Welfare 3%
                Education 2%

Responses received: 992 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that in general, government regulation makes things better, makes them worse, or makes almost no change at all?

Result:      2% BETTER
                8% NO CHANGE
               90% WORSE

Responses received: 1182 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should New Zealand consider nuclear power as a source of future energy generation?

Result: 80% YES
20% NO

Responses received: 1653 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way your local district or city council is being managed?

Result: 7% SATISFIED
93% DISSATISFIED

Responses received: 1134 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe there should be any restrictions on the public’s right to free speech either before or during an election campaign?

Result: 2% YES
98% NO

Responses received: 1578 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that Islam poses a threat to Western culture?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 2253 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe New Zealand children are now more protected from abuse as a result of the repeal of section 59?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1021 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think all women entering a New Zealand public hospital should be questioned about whether they have been subjected to abuse?

Result: 8% YES
92% NO

Responses received: 1839 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Would you like to see the Reserve Bank take the government to task for excessive government spending?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1413 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you favour the introduction of policies to encourage marriage in New Zealand?

Result: 94% YES
6% NO

Responses received: 1575 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Should the welfare reform proposed by the Howard government in Australia be adopted in New Zealand?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1233 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you support the introduction of a 19% flat tax in New Zealand?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1563 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe more needs to be done to discourage drug use in New Zealand?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 1028 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think that global warming poses an opportunity or a threat to our economy?

Result: 29% OPPORTUNITY
71% THREAT

Responses received: 1056 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe the regulation of school canteens is justified?

Result: 2% YES
98% NO

Responses received: 1534 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you believe that the New Zealand Supreme Court offers the same level of impartiality that was offered by the Privy Council?

Result: 9% YES
91% NO

Responses received: 1104 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you agree with or disagree with the critics of the NCEA that educational standards in New Zealand are falling?

Result: 96% AGREE
4% DISAGREE

Responses received: 1101 Reader comments on this topic >>>

Do you think National will win the next election?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1470

Do you believe the budget should have included personal tax cuts?

Result: 94% YES
6% NO

Responses received: 1506

Do you think the Police should form a special crimes unit dedicated to fighting the gang problem?

Result: 92% YES
8% NO

Responses received: 1878

Would you support New Zealand holding a binding referendum on MMP?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 2559

Do you support government funded legal aid for environmental activists driving a political agenda?

Result: 3% YES
97% NO

Responses received: 1356

Do you support Labour’s plan to introduce the taxpayer funding of elections?

Result: 1% YES
99% NO

Responses received: 1332

Do you think that New Zealand teachers should be able to use “reasonable force” to discipline unruly students?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 1125

Do you believe that increasing the minimum wage will increase productivity?

Result: 8% YES
92% NO

Responses received: 1071

Do you support the concept of a "warrant of fitness" health check for men?

Result: 95% YES
5% NO

Responses received: 1604

Do you believe that the repeal of section 59 would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and youth crime?

Result: 91% YES
9% NO

Responses received: 3426

Do you agree that the delivery of social services in New Zealanders needs to improve?

Result: 99% agreeing that services need to improve.

Of those 75% were in favour of a universal health insurance, 72% in favour of personal super savings accounts and 71% in favour of education vouchers.

Responses received: 1288

Is New Zealand over-regulated?

Result: 99% YES
1% NO

Responses received: 1365

Do you believe that the removal of section 59 will reduce child abuse in New Zealand?

Result: 4% YES
96% NO

Responses received: 2442

Would you like to see the underclass become a key election issue in 2008?

Result: 92% YES
8% NO

Responses received: 1410

Do you support the Prime Minister’s goal of making New Zealand “the first nation to be truly sustainable” as a priority for this country?

Result: 7% YES
93% NO

Responses received: 1506

Do you think the timing of the National Party’s plan to abolish the Maori seats in 2014 is about right, too soon, or not soon enough?

3%	too soon
16%	about right
81%	not soon enough
 
Responses received: 1827

Do you think people should have to work for the dole?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Of those who said "Yes", 75% said the work requirement should be full-time, 25% said part-time.

Responses received: 2172

Do you believe that a core role of central government is to ensure that all able-bodied, working age beneficiaries become independent of the state?

Result: 96% YES
4% NO

Responses received: 1413

Do you support Sensible Sentencing’s call to abolish parole?

Result: 90% YES
10% NO

Responses received: 1788

Would you like to see local government refocused onto the basics of providing infrastructure and core services by amending the Local Government Act 2002 to remove the power of general competence and the need to promote the four community well-beings?

Result: 97% YES
3% NO

Responses received: 1101

Should the Minister of Corrections be asked to resign over the state’s failure to adequately care for Liam Ashley?

Result: 89% YES
11% NO

Responses received: 1035

Do you believe as a nation we should embrace or reject the doctrine of multiculturalism?

Result: 6% Embrace
94% Reject

Responses received: 981

Do you believe the income gap in New Zealand is increasing or decreasing?

Result: 94% Increasing.
6% Decreasing.

Responses received: 960

Do you believe the National Party should remain committed to the principles outlined in Don Brash’s Nationhood speech?

Result: 95% YES.
5% NO.

Responses received: 2535

Do you believe there is sufficient scientific evidence to justify New Zealand's support for the Kyoto Protocol?

Result: 10% YES.
90% NO.

Responses received: 1437

Do you believe a bigger bureaucracy (excluding nurses, police, teachers and other front-line staff) delivers better public services?

Result: 1% YES.
99% NO.

Responses received: 1268

Do you support the concept of an unskilled Pacific Island guest worker scheme for New Zealand?

Result: 5% YES.
95% NO.

Responses received: 1080

Do you think Labour’s latest welfare reform initiative will solve the problem of welfare dependency in New Zealand?

Result: 1% YES.
99% NO.

Responses received: 1011

Do you you support the government’s intention to restrict the advocacy role of charities?

Result: 2% YES.
98% NO.

Responses received: 1335

Do you think the New Zealand public is losing its patience with Labour’s socialist agenda?

Result: 91% YES.
9% NO.

Responses received: 1572

Do you support the idea of holding a referendum on the electoral system?

Result: 90% YES.
10% NO.

Responses received: 2391

Do you believe the Police should investigate this (Labour's election spending) prima facie case of “corruption and bribery”?

Result: 96% YES.
4% NO.

Responses received: 1215

Would you support the introduction of a universal 'Parents Licence Test' for all parents?

Result: 14% YES.
86% NO.

Responses received: 1148

At what level do you support ‘the war on terror’?

Result: Fully support 65%
Moderate Support 29%
No support 6%

Responses received: 675

Do you believe current policing methods are working?

Result: 3% YES.
97% NO.

Responses received: 904

Do you believe the present system of land rates needs to be reformed. If you believe reform is necessary, how do you think local government should be funded?

Result: 98% YES.
2% NO.

Responses received: 763

Is it time to give primary schools the same flexibility regarding religious instruction as secondary schools: “that the school's Board has complete discretion to control the management of the school as it thinks fit?"

Result: 89% YES.
11% NO.

Responses received: 876

Do you believe New Zealand has become too socially liberal in the last five years?

Result: 94% YES.
6% NO.

Responses received: 740

Do you think separate Maori representation is having a positive or negative effect on New Zealand?

Result: 5% POSITIVE
95% NEGATIVE

Responses received: 1075

Do you support the Government's proposal to lower company tax from 33% to 30%?

Result: 85% YES.
15% NO.

Responses received: 615

Do you support the concept of removing cash payments and housing assistance to teenage parents?

Result: 94% YES.
6% NO.

Responses received: 644

Do you agree with the changes to local government introduced in 2002 by Labour?

Result: 97% YES.
3% NO.

Responses received: 726

Do you agree with social service agencies when they say that benefit increases will help to reduce poverty and disadvantage in New Zealand?

Result: 3% YES.
97% NO.

Responses received: 736

It has been suggested that unemployment benefits should be limited to a period of six months, after which people would be expected to participate full time in a “Work for the Dole” scheme until they find a job. Do you think this is a very good idea, a good idea or disagree with the idea?

Result: 86% VERY GOOD IDEA
8% GOOD IDEA
6% DISAGREE

Responses received: 1314

Do you think Labour has had any success in reducing child abuse since they have been in power?
Result: 0.5% YES.
99.5% NO.
Responses received: 819

Do you think that a voucher system for primary and secondary schools should be introduced?
Result: 88% YES.
12% NO.
Responses received: 644

Do you support the idea of New Zealand moving to a Singaporean health system model whereby health taxes are channeled into individual medical savings accounts for the purchase of health insurance?
Result: 92% YES.
8% NO.
Responses received: 832

Do you think you think Charles Murray’s plan for replacing welfare is a concept worth exploring for New Zealand?
Result: 95% YES.
5% NO.
Responses received: 935

Do you think Labour is running an orchestrated campaign to control the language of politics?
Result: 94% YES.
6% NO.
Responses received: 750

Do you agree that family law in NZ is in urgent need of change?
Result: 96% YES.
4% NO.
Responses received: 825

On a scale of 0 to 5 (5 being better than 0) how would you to you rate the NZ Budget 2006 as a prescription for economic growth?
Result: 62% ranked buget as a 0
            28% as 1
             4% as 2
             1% as 3
             1% as 4
             4% as 5
Average score: 0.63
Responses received: 1185

Do you think the tax changes contained in the Australian Budget will cause more New Zealanders to migrate to Australia?
Result: 96% agreed
4% disagreed.
Responses received:1023

Do you agree with the Wellington Coroner Garry Evans, that the Government's national drug policy should focus on preventing the harm caused to young people by using drugs, rather than trying to minimise it?
Result: 94% agreed
6% disagreed.
Responses received:615

Do you believe a national prostate cancer screening programme should be introduced for men?
Result: 99% YES.
1% NO.
Responses received:605

Do you agree with Thomas Jefferson: “… that most bad government results from too much government.”
Result: 99% YES.
1% NO.
Responses received:753

Would you like to see District Health Boards reduce their hospital waiting lists by making greater use of the private sector?
Result: 88% YES.
12% NO.
Responses received:1141

Should the eligibility for voting on the Maori roll should be returned to being based on having "half or more" of Maori blood?
Result: 85% YES.
15% NO.
Responses received:1237

Do you think that the family related policies that Labour has introduced are good for the country?
Result:   1% YES.
           99% NO.
Responses received:759

Do you have confidence in the Labour Government?
Result: 1% YES.
99% NO.
Responses received:1023

How satisfied are you with the Resource Management Act? 60% very dissatisfied. 35% dissatisfied. 3% neutral. 2% satisfied.
Do you believe a “no regulation without compensation” clause should be introduced?
Result: 93% YES.
7% NO.
Responses received: 609

Do you think the NZ prison system is working?
Result: 0.1% YES,
99.9% NO.
Responses received: 705

Do you think question 11 of the Census should include the option “New Zealander”?
Result: 95% YES,
5% NO.
Responses received: 1005

Do you consider the Danish cartoons offensive? 17% YES, 83% NO.
Should the NZ media have published the cartoons? 66% YES, 34% NO.
If you watched South Park this week did you find it offensive? 28% YES, 72% NO.
Responses received: 292

Do you think entrepreneurs are being driven out of New Zealand, and if so, why? Results: 88% YES, 12% NO. Responses received: 357

Do you believe New Zealand's welfare system is doing enough to eliminate welfare dependency? Results: 1% YES, 99% NO. Responses received: 762

Do you believe the education system is being used by the Labour Government to advance its social agenda? Results: 96% YES, 4% NO. Responses received: 702

Do you agree that the top priority for the government this year should be the economy? Results: 92% YES, 8% NO. Responses received: 540

Do you believe the government should allow ancient human remains to be DNA tested? Results: 98% YES, 2% NO. Responses received: 1881

Do you support the abolition of section 59 of the Crimes Act? Results: 3% YES, 97% NO. Responses received: 1593

Do you believe local authorities should become a regulatory agency for GM applications, in addition to the regulatory controls already imposed by central government? Results: 9% YES, 91% NO. Responses received: 873

Do you think the feminist movement has gone too far? Results: 96% YES, 4% NO. Responses received: 1516

Do you believe the mentally ill are adequately provided for at present? Results: 3% YES, 97% NO. Responses received: 615. Most common comment: The government is failing in this area - people who could be a danger to themselves and the community - but are not hospitalised - are not being adequately monitored. Neither they nor their family, receive enough support. Sheltered villages should be available for those who need on-going supervision but are not sick enough to be hospitalised, and for people who need respite care.

Do you support the introduction of a flat income tax rate in New Zealand? Results: 97% YES, 3% NO. Responses received: 1680. The poll results showed 3% opposed and 97% in favour. the most common suggestions were 15% flat tax & 15% GST, or a 20% flat tax &12.5% GST.

Do you think it is time that all New Zealanders had their say regarding the abolition of the Maori seats, through a citizens initiated referendum? Results: 98% YES, 2% NO. Responses received: 1581

Do you agree with Josie Bullock that women should not have to sit at the back during official public ceremonies? Result: 90% YES, 10% NO. Responses received: 1824

What do you consider to be the most significant causal factors of youth crime? On a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 being of no significance and 5 being very significant, family breakdown topped the poll of almost 1,000 respondents with an average rating of 4.6, school truancy rated second on 3.1, inadequate policing was third on 2.8, poverty was fourth on 2.2, a lack of facilities for youth was fifth on 2.1, and the economic reforms of the 1980s was rated lowest with a score of 1.1.

Other factors that were commonly identified as being of significance were poor parenting, a lack of family values, and the Domestic Purposes Benefit.

Poll respondents clearly believe that family breakdown is four times more significant as a causal factor in youth crime than the economic reforms of the 1980s. This is in sharp contrast to the viewpoint of the Green Party, which claimed last week that a core factor contributing to youth crime was New Zealand’s economic reforms.

Should the Maori seats in Parliament be abolished? Result: 98% YES, 2% NO. Responses received: 2217

Do you support the reform of the welfare system to remove subsidies? Result: 99% YES, 1% NO. Responses received: 660.