Poll finds smacking OK with most Kiwis 

Source: NZPA

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Over 80% of New Zealanders believe a smack should not be a criminal offence and just 13% think it should.
 
That's according to a ONE News Colmar Brunton poll.

The poll found 83% of New Zealanders think it is okay to smack children under certain circumstances.

Those more likely to say it's okay under any circumstances were older New Zealanders, over 55, and those living in non-urban areas.

But one in seven say it's not acceptable under any circumstances.
 
And only a quarter believe the current law is working as it relates to smacking and child discipline. 

Meanwhile, over three quarters of New Zealanders believe the smacking referendum is not a good use of public money.

The poll found 76% of people polled say the $9 million price tag is unjustified, while 20% say it is.
 
The poll sampled 1000 voters and has a margin of error of 3.1%.

What do you think of the smacking referendum? Have your say on our messageboard below.

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Tony Z ; 2009-08-31 @ 16:04 NZDT  

What else could I possibly say other than arrogant, stubborn and hopeless.Key clearly knows National was wrong on voting for the Anti-smacking bill but just doesn't want to admit the mistake. 95% of our low land rivers are not swimmable. Did the FAKE Green party do anything? NO. Being Green is primarily about protecting the environment, NOT interfering in how we parent our kids.

Andrew Mackenna ; 2009-09-04 @ 01:47 NZDT  

There is no 'anti-smacking' legislation. Comb Hansard...take your time. The media helped in distorting this issue using the phrase '...so-called anti-smacking law'. Children are not served by some 'patchy' regulation in the Crimes Act. The squandaring of public money in the wilfully mis-leading referendum was nothing other than a dissembling stunt by the Kiwi Party, and associates, for power. (Christchurch)

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Obey Democracy ; 2009-08-28 @ 16:17 NZDT  

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"

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Nomanor ; 2009-08-27 @ 14:53 NZDT  

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.

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kidzlot ; 2009-08-27 @ 14:42 NZDT  

Everyone who wants to smack their children and inflict pain as a punishment makes me sick. Why don't you get out the whip, bring back corporal punishment in schools, watch a few hangings in the process. I thought we had moved on from this, obviously not!

sparkles42 ; 2009-09-07 @ 21:59 NZDT  

I agree with kidzlot

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samuelpike10 ; 2009-08-26 @ 22:44 NZDT  

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.

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