-
Related
Three out of four New Zealanders believe the upcoming "anti-smacking" referendum is a waste of money, a survey has found.
The Research New Zealand poll of 481 people found 77% didn't support spending money on the non-binding referendum which will cost $8.9m.
Eighteen percent felt it was a good use of taxpayer dollars, while 5% were unsure.
Prime Minister John Key has said the Government is unlikely to change the law, regardless of the result of the referendum.
Research New Zealand director Emanuel Kalafatelis said New Zealanders appeared reluctant to spend so much on a referendum during a recession.
"Despite widespread protest about the so-called `anti-smacking bill', it seems Kiwis aren't willing to spend millions of taxpayers' dollars on a referendum."
He said it would be interesting to see how opinions on the cost translated to voter numbers.
Of all the demographic differences in the poll, the only significant difference was between the sexes.
Eighty percent of female respondents believed the referendum was a waste of money, compared with 70% of male respondents.
The non-binding, citizens-initiated referendum will be held by postal ballot from July 31 to August 21.
What do you think? Do you want this Citizens Initiated Referendum? Comment on the message board below
Add a Comment:
Post new commentObey Democracy said on 2009-08-28 @ 16:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
Time to exercise some democracy and tear this illegitimate Law Down. Spread the word gather at parliament on 09/09/09 at 9am. It is time to make a stand for democracy that these creeps can't defy. It will be an asset to New Zealand for generations to come. Never again should any Political party be able to show such contempt and corruptibility to obey tiny minorities, UN dictates or whatever is operating Key. 09/09/09@9am/9pm Parliament/MPS Office or CYFS Carry signs saying "OBEY"
Nomanor said on 2009-08-27 @ 14:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
1 Leading: the wording of the referendum was bias. Which I believe led people to vote against the bill. 2 Abuse: parents who actually beat their children before the bill were able to get off the assault charges on reason of "Discipline". Misinterpretation makes parents believe that actual disciplinary measures will put them in prison. 3 Resolution: Key refuses to repeal the bill and give child abusers a GOJF card and protects against innocent people getting in trouble. Key has my vote.
samuelpike10 said on 2009-08-26 @ 22:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
What type country has Aotearoa become? We have elected members to parliament who do as they will and not as the people ask. I FEEL THAT WE SHOULD BILL THE COST OF THE REFERENDUM TO THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. If they acted appropriately in the first place we would not be in this situation. We have lost our position as a best practice leader.
mcarky said on 2009-08-26 @ 21:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Paul Henry challenges the PM on folic acid in bread and in about a week the legislation is dropped. 88% Kiwis voice there disapproval for Sue Bradfords smacking bill, but yet it remains. I would really love to hear Paul Henry challenge the PM on this one. Why the about face? Whats the agenda?
klemon said on 2009-08-26 @ 20:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
So where do we turn? Labour stank, National won't listen, all the other parties are nuts. There is pretty much no one left to vote for. I think I've just lost faith in the only country I've ever been in.