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One woman has the power to halt the $9 million "anti-smacking" referendum.
Prime Minister John Key was asked on media interviews on Monday morning whether the poll should still go ahead after a survey released on Sunday found 77% of respondents thought it was a waste of money.
The Research New Zealand poll of 481 people only recorded 18% support, with 5% unsure.
Key said it was up to the referendum's instigator to decide whether to go ahead or not.
Barnardos are urging Sheryl Savill, the petition instigator, to pull the referendum. That would need to happen by Friday when the Governor-General will issue the writ for the referendum.
The referendum asks: "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?".
Opponents of a 2007 law change, which removed the reasonable force defence in child abuse cases, want the public to vote no.
The referendum has been criticised as being confusing as some people who support the status quo may think that is what they are voting for if they tick no.
The government believes the law was working as intended and police are only prosecuting serious cases.
Family First director Bob McCoskrie said his organisation would be happy to pull the referendum - if the government changed the law.
His organisation supported National MP Chester Borrows' earlier proposal which would have explicitly allowed light smacking.
McCoskrie said Saville was overseas.
The non-binding, citizens-initiated referendum will be held by postal ballot from July 31 to August 21.
