3news Reid-Research Poll - Has John Key Met His Match?

He's just two months into the job but already Labour leader Andrew Little is outshining all his predecessors since Helen Clark, according to tonight's 3News Reid-Research poll.

It's the first political poll of the year and sets the tone for what's set to be a rip-roaring battle of the leaders as Andrew Little takes on John Key.

The poll shows that 55% of voters think Andrew Little is potentially a better match for John Key than his predecessors.

3News Political Editor Patrick Gower says there's a warning for the Prime Minister in tonight's poll.

"The Prime Minister will be worried by how many of his National Party supporters think Little is one to watch, that will force Key to sit up and take notice, there's no room for complacency this term.

"Key's popularity hasn't been dented and Labour's revolving leadership has struggled to get one over him but this poll shows he may have finally met his match."

The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 per cent and was taken between January 20-28.

The full results, including details on how the parties stand and what's happened to the minor parties, will be released tonight on 3News at 6pm and available at 3News.co.nz.

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