23 April 2006
New poll: Next election could depend on how parties protect New Zealanders' quality of life
A nationwide poll released today shows the outcome of the next general election could depend on how parties show they
will promote economic growth – while at the same time preserve New Zealand's quality of life.
The research shows 47% of voters have already made a firm party vote choice – but another 39% say they may change their
minds before the next election.
And 49% of voters with a current voting preference say they would be more likely to be attracted to a party which places
an emphasis on preserving the New Zealand quality of life.
The poll, conducted by UMR Research for the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development, shows a party
which concentrates on achieving sustainable economic growth – while preserving the New Zealand quality of life - could
significantly improve its chances of forming the next government.
With a 1.5% difference only between Labour and National in the 2005 general election result, the poll indicates that the
party or parties which can persuade the public they are the best custodians for the New Zealand quality of life have the
potential to be in power for a long time.
Those who have a voting preference – but who might change their minds based on policies which protect the quality of
life – are more likely to come from the centre left (Labour 46%, Greens 11%). However, 39% of those who have chosen
National also say they could change their minds.
Business Council Chief Executive Peter Neilson says the new poll, conducted among a nationally representative sample of
750 people aged 18+ in the last week of March, also sends a telling message to smart policy makers that voters' support
can be driven to parties proposing to do more about
- energy supply (18% say this would make them "much more likely" to switch their vote) - skill shortages (16%) -
fresh water supply (16%) - waste reduction (14%) - the effects of population growth (10%) - the ageing
population (9%)
The Business Council – a group of 51 companies whose $33 billion in annual sales equates to 28% of the country's gross
domestic product – says the polling was done to find out what political impact sustainable development policies could
have.
It follows other qualitative and quantitative Business Council research, conducted late last year and also released
today, to determine what people understood about sustainable development and the related issues which matter most to
them. This research also included a nationwide UMR poll of 750 people aged 18+.
"What we have is a stunningly loud message from 86% of New Zealanders that they understand sustainable development to be
important because they want to look after the things that are good about our country and make sure they're there for
future generations," Peter Neilson says. "Decision makers often assume the public don't think about the long term. This
polling shows voters are concerned about the long term issues and want to know what they can do to help.
"There is widespread support for sustainable development when it's expressed as growing the economy and developing the
country in away which balances growth, protects the environment while also exercising social responsibility."
When sustainable development was expressed in these terms 60% were interested in the concept, 36% very interested.
Mr Neilson says the research also has a message for business: Some 75% of respondents to the nationwide poll taken last
year believe it is important for individual businesses to play a role in sustainable development.
The Business Council – whose members include a wide cross section of sectors, including major telecommunications,
banking, accounting, energy, motor vehicle, manufacturing and retail interests – says it wants political parties to
understand the importance of sustainable development policies to the electorate.
It wants long-term multi-party agreements on policies affecting climate change, reducing green house gas emissions,
securing the energy and water supplies, while improving social outcomes.
"We believe businesses must make profits, and that there are practical, commonsense ways to do this while also
protecting the environment and improving our people's quality of life," Mr Neilson says.
An example is the council's recent proposal to Government to provide cash grants of up to $3000 to people who first
register new and imported fuel-efficient, low emission cars. People buying these vehicles would cut fuel use by up to
half, while launching the first quick attack on one of the country's major emission sources. It would help cut the
country's emissions liability under the Kyoto protocol, now estimated at more than $1 billion – while putting money into
Kiwis' pockets.
"When you probe into what New Zealanders really want – you tap into a huge mega trend which says 'get on with growing in
a way which protects our quality of life'. It may explain why tax cuts and similar policies don't win elections on their
own. Kiwis have a far deeper respect for the environment – including the social environment - and enough are open to
considering a vote for the party which best addresses sustainable development," Mr Neilson says.
ENDS