News

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  Horizon acquires ShapeNZ

  1 Feb 12 – Horizon Research Limited has acquired the ShapeNZ research service from the Sustainable Business Council (SBC).   The SBC launched ShapeNZ in 2006 to allow the public to have a say on major policy issues, recruiting a 14,000 member panel representing the adult...

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  540,000 using marijuana in past year

  18 Jan 12 – New Zealand business decision makers are more likely to have used marijuana than the rest of the adult population.   Twice as many have tried cocaine at least once in their lives, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Horizon Research.   However, overall more adults than...

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  Public back Shearer over Cunliffe for Labour leadership

  9 Dec 11 – David Shearer has twice as much public support to be Labour leader than David Cuncliffe.   35.4% of adult New Zealanders would prefer Shearer as Labour leader, 16.9% Cunliffe.   Shearer is also seen to better represent the sort of things respondents believe in and to have an edge in...

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  MMP: Horizon 56% - votes cast 55.76%

  27 Nov 11 – Horizon’s final pre-election survey found 56% of the votes cast would be to not change the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system.   The official preliminary referendum result is 55.76% of votes cast support keeping MMP.   In the second part of the referendum, in which...

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  Commentary: Predictions for the 2011 general election

  24 Nov 11 – Here are Horizon's predictions for the 2011 General Election.   We've waited until the last minute to post them, so as to take into account the latest polls by Horizon, Reid Research, Colmar Brunton, DigiPoll and other polling companies.   Polling the electorate during an intense...

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  Kiwis back action to secure $1 trillion in new trade

  23 Nov 11 – Pure Advantage, the organisation championing a move to a green growth economy, says the latest polling by independent research company Horizon shows there is widespread public support for New Zealand to secure its share of the $6 trillion global opportunity that green growth promises by...

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  How Goff and Key are making people feel

  20 Nov 11 – There have been some significant changes during the election campaign in the way Labour Leader Phil Goff and National leader John Key are making people feel.   Emotion is believed to play an important role in driving voter choice.   Nov-11 Goff Key Key...

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  Public: don't release tea tape

  20 Nov 11 – The country is highly polarised over the unauthorised recording of a meeting between the Prime Minister, John Key, and the Act party’s Epsom candidate, John Banks.   53% say that neither Mr Key nor Mr Banks, as parties to the conversation, should authorise the public release of the...

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  Country evenly split on preferred main party coalition leader

  19 Nov 11 – The country is now evenly split on which main party is preferred to lead a coalition government if one is required after Saturday’s general election. A 5.5% preference lead for National has closed completely since October 29.   41.5% now want a Labour-led government, 41.1% a...

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  Neck and neck on November 1-5 campaign performance

  8 Nov 11 – National and Labour's campaign performances between November 1and 5 are rated almost neck and neck.   A RadioLIVE-HorizonPoll of 1636 respondents nationwide finds the parties' campaigns rating just 2% apart.   Labour’s election campaign rates best with 50.5% saying it is good to...

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  Labour up 4.1%, Winston king maker

  2 Nov 11 – The first nationwide post-leaders’ debate party vote poll shows significant changes in support for National and Labour.   A RadioLIVE-HorizonPoll yesterday of 1,147 registered electors who intend to vote at the November general election, shows:   National down 3.6% to...

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  Election cliff hanger – new Conservatives could play vital role

  31 Oct 11 – Act support is sliding and the new Conservative party’s support rising in the latest RadioLIVE-HorizonPoll.   When the results for both decided voters and undecided voters with a preference are considered, the current National-led coalition would have 61 seats in a 122 seat...

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  5.5% gap between preferred National-Labour coalition options

  29 Oct 11 – The first poll of the 2011 election campaign shows 42.1% of voters would prefer a National-led government after the November 26 general election.   A Labour-led government is preferred by 36.6% (a 5.5% gap). However, 21.3% are undecided.   The RadioLIVE-HorizonPoll of 887 voters...

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  Rugby world Cup: 65% say "do it again"

  23 Oct 11 – 83% back the All Blacks, 57% will be in front of telly, up to 112,000 downtown - and 65% say do it again     The All Blacks go onto Eden Park tonight with 83% of New Zealanders thinking they will win.   Fine weather in Auckland could see between 80,000 and 112,000 fans descend...

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  Overwhelming opposition to battery hen cages

  27 Sep 11 – New Zealanders are as united in their support of the All Blacks as they are opposed to battery cages.   A comprehensive opinion poll, released today by animal advocacy group SAFE, reveals a consensus across all sectors of the population that battery hen cages should be banned, with 85 per...

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  Voters feel poorly informed on MMP alternatives

  25 Sep 11 – 74% of New Zealanders want the Electoral Commission to send them more information about alternative voting systems to MMP before casting their votes on electoral reform in just 10 weeks’ time.   Some 38.6% of 2,571 voters polled by Horizon Research say they will vote to keep MMP,...

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  Answers to worker shortages lie in training changes

  21 Sep 11 – Going overseas to find skilled trades people is one solution to current shortages, but the head of one of New Zealand’s largest employers says there is another to be found right at home.   Mike Huddleston, Chief Executive of AWF Group, says a nationwide AWF Group-Horizon Workforce...

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  Fairfax has other New Zealand media sites well stuffed

  3 Sep 11 – Fairfax’s Stuff web site is the most used media one in New Zealand.   A July-August 2011 nationwide HorizonPoll finds Stuff is being visited each month by 52% of New Zealanders aged 18 plus.   This indicates it is attracting an audience of about 1.66 million adult New Zealanders...

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  Capital gains tax attracts more support than opposition

  24 Jul 11 – More New Zealanders support than oppose a capital gains tax.   The first nationwide  poll conducted since the policy announcement finds 40.9% support Labour’s capital gains tax (CGT) proposal , 34.1% oppose,  17.9% are neutral  and 7.1% don’t know.   The...

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  Political scientist: tracking undecided voters "critical"

  12 Jun 11 – HorizonPoll’s party vote research is seen as going to tell a better story between now and the November general election.   In this TVNZ Media7 broadcast, political economist Keith Rankin, who teaches Economics and Statistics in Unitec's Department of Accounting and Finance, says...

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  Political poll results may exclude 30%?

  28 May 11 – The Electoral Commission might be well advised to see if some research companies are excluding up to 30% of respondents before they publish party vote poll results.   The commission in 2008 allocated $3.2 million to political parties to fund election broadcasting.   One of its...

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  Public mandates one of four major Budget policy proposals

  22 May 11 – The first nationwide post-Budget HorizonPoll shows the Government would not get a mandate to make changes to KiwiSaver, sell up to 49% of state-owned energy company shares or reduce its shareholding in Air New Zealand.   It would get a mandate to make changes to the Working for Families...

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  Kiwis enter Budget week feeling country on wrong track

  16 May 11 – A new poll shows New Zealanders head into Budget week thinking the country is generally off on the wrong track – but with individuals rating National as being much better than Labour to advance their own economic interests.   A Horizon Research survey of 1,864 people nationwide finds...

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  89% oppose having to prove innocence over internet downloads

  24 Apr 11 – Only 1.6% of New Zealanders support a new law’s provision requiring people to prove their innocence, or face penalties of up to $15,000 and internet disconnection, if accused of breaching copyright when transferring files.   Some 89% think authorities should have to prove a person has...

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  Jones closes in on Sharples

  1 Apr 11 – Maori Party co-leader leader Pita Sharples’ 7,540 majority in the Tamaki Makaurau electorate appears to have eroded to about 1,140.   An Horizon Research Maori Panel poll shows Sharples would get 47.8% of candidate votes in the largely Auckland-centred Tamaki Makaurau electorate while...

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  Post quake poll: National-led coalition ahead

  20 Mar 11 – The current governing coalition would stay in power according to a new HorizonPoll.   The National led coalition would secure 46.2% of the party vote.   A Labour-Green-New Zealand First coalition would have 40.6%.   Some 8.2% remain undecided.   National’s vote has...

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  Only 11.5% of Maori support Harawiri new party move

  10 Mar 11 – Some 11.5% of Maori support Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira seeking re-election as a member of a new Maori or left wing party.   This according to a nationwide poll of 1,047 Maori since Tuesday by the new specialist Horizon Research Maori Panel.   The poll finds he would enjoy more...

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  More than 1,300 join new Maori Panel in less 48 hours

  9 Mar 11 – More than 1,300 have joined HorizonPoll's new Maori Panel in less than 48 hours.   Of these 1,050 had completed the first Maori Panel survey, covering issues ranging from the financial position of their households, to how well they feel consulted on iwi issues, if they...

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  New panel to find what Maori "really think"

  7 Mar 11 – Horizon Research today launches a major new panel to research the views of Maori nationwide.   We're aiming to make sure Maori are heard, and have some influence.   We are responding to those who make big decisions affecting Maori treaty settlements, investments and policy issues....

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  Wealth gap worries Kiwis

  23 Jan 11 – ACCUSATIONS THAT New Zealand is one of the worst performers in the developed world when it comes to the income gap between rich and poor have been validated by a Sunday Star-Times survey.   Conducted by Horizon Research, it shows the burgeoning gap between the haves and have-nots is frothing...

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  Business poll indicates no double dip recession

  16 Jan 11 – Business decision-makers believe New Zealand is not headed for a double-dip recession, a poll commissioned by the Sunday Star-Times shows.   Almost half (49.6%) of those with key decision-making roles in business say they do not believe the country will go back into recession, auguring if...

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  Detailed results on how political leaders make you feel

  9 Jan 11 – Here is the summary table of results on how political leaders make New Zealanders feel.   This table covers results across all politicians surveyed. Download Document...

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  How political leaders make New Zealanders feel

  9 Jan 11 – The Sunday Star Times-HorizonPoll for the first time publishes how some of the main political leaders make New Zealanders feel.   The Sunday Star Times reports this morning that Labour leader Phil Goff makes us feel nervous, Act's Rodney Hide makes us angry, and Prime Minister John Key makes...

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  What do Kiwis expect in 2011?

  7 Jan 11 – HorizonPoll has launched its first survey for 2011 - covering what people expect to happen to them and the country this year.   The Mood of The Nation survey seeks views and feelings on what it's like living in New Zealand right now, and how the year ahead will be for individuals...

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  Wool share applications appear to match HorizonPoll findings

  6 Jan 11 – The number of shares in a new co-operative being applied for by strong wool growers appears to be matching Horizon Research findings.   The Wool Partners Co-operative has announced it has raised $35 million - just more than half its $65 million target. It says this is despite efforts by...

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  Wool co-op share float may be sinking

  31 Dec 10 – Over 70 percent of wool growers will not be applying for shares in the Wool Partners Co-operative float, according to an independent survey by Horizon Research that was commissioned by the New Zealand Council of Wool Exporters.   The HorizonPoll internet survey of 618 respondents was...

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  HorizonPoll shows National’s vote up on 2008

  6 Dec 10 – The HorizonPoll which shows New Zealand First may determine which of the main parties governs after the next election also shows National’s vote is higher than at the 2008 election.   HorizonPoll says people interpreting the poll should bear in mind it expresses results as a percentage...

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  Strong public backing for new surveillance powers, curbs to media freedom

  26 Nov 10 – Eight out of 10 New Zealanders support a proposed law which will require people to provide information to police or face penalties of up to $40,000 or a year in jail.   Although only 29.5% have heard of the Search and Surveillance Bill now before Parliament, 79.5% support its provisions to...

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  Majority back Hobbit movie deal, but don’t want a repeat

  23 Nov 10 – A majority of New Zealanders support the deal the Government did with Warner Bros to keep Hobbit film production in New Zealand. However, a majority don’t want a similar deal done again.   A new nationwide HorizonPoll finds 56.4% support for the agreement the Government made with...

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  Should you be made to answer police questions?

  17 Nov 10 – This new HorizonPoll nationwide survey covers new law proposed by the Government to help police investigate serious crime.   We seek your views on some important issues: proposals to increase police powers; the deal done to keep the Hobbit films' production in New Zealand; how our main...

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  TSB bank rates as the most excellent

  8 Oct 10 – TSB bank scores the highest “excellent” rating among those who have dealings with it.   Some 43.6% rate their dealings with TSB as excellent.   Second is Kiwibank with 35%.   Last of seven main banks surveyed by HorizonPoll is Westpac with a 28.4% excellent rating,...

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  Parker 19% ahead of Anderton in Christchurch Mayoral race

  28 Sep 10 – Bob Parker has a 19% lead over Jim Anderton as preferred Mayor of Christchurch, according to HorizonPoll.   Parker attracts 46% of voters, Anderton 27% in the special poll of 321 Christchurch City residents between September 23 and 26. Weighted, the survey has a maximum margin of error of...

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  Some viewed less favourably over quake response

  28 Sep 10 – People in Canterbury have rated the performance of people and orgaisations during the earthqaukes disaster.   Emergency services received high praise for their efforts, with 94 per cent rating the Fire Service response as very good or excellent, The Press newspaper reports this morning in...

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  Quake regions' top priority: basic infrastructure

  28 Sep 10 – Getting water, sewerage and other basic services restored is the task most Canterbury residents want the Government and councils to focus on.   The Second highest priority should be re housing, and rehabilitating the housing, of those whose homes are worst affected by the September 4...

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  Most Cantabrians: We'll be back to normal within a year

  27 Sep 10 – Cantabrians are optimistic about an early return to normality after this month's massive earthquake, an online poll shows.   Chrstchurch's The Press newspaper reports this morning that an HorizonPoll survey of 358 people has found 65 per cent believe their lives will return to normal within...

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  Quakes stressing 80% of Cantabrians – 1% will quit region

  27 Sep 10 – Nearly 80% of people in Canterbury are describing the level of hardship they’re experiencing as a result of the earthquakes as stressful.   Ten per cent say it is very stressful, according to a new HorizonPoll survey.   26% report it is stressful, 41% slightly stressful....

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  Majority of super city voters don’t know mailing deadline

  26 Sep 10 – HorizonPoll reveals majority of people yet to vote in Auckland’s first super city elections don’t know when to return ballot papers.   Fifty one per cent don’t know voting closes at noon, Saturday October 9, 2010.   More than 56% don’t know voting papers need...

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  National has 8% lead over Labour, 20% undecided

  21 Sep 10 – National has an 8% lead over Labour in the latest HorizonPoll voting intentions survey covering 3,673 New Zealanders.   National has 30% of voters (3% down on its 2008 share of all adult New Zealanders).   Labour has 22% (3% down on its 2008 share of all adult New...

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  Country split on Government handling of economy

  19 Sep 10 – The country is evenly split over the Government’s handling of the economy: 29% disapprove, 28% approve.   An HorizonPoll survey of 3,655 New Zealanders shows 35% neither approve nor disapprove, while 8% don’t know.   Weighted to represent the national population, the...

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  Trade Me, banks, Facebook top net ratings

  28 Aug 10 – Trade Me rates as the country’s most visited web site in the past 30 days.   An HorizonPoll of 3179 New Zealanders nationwide between August 23 and 28 shows 83% have visited or used Trade Me.   Online banking comes second with 73% and Facebook third with 71%.   Among...

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  Government announces savings working group

  24 Aug 10 – An independent Savings Working Group announced today by the Government has a wide brief to consider how New Zealand can improve its national savings, Finance Minister Bill English says.   "Improving the level of national savings is the next step in the Government's programme for tilting the...

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  What's New Zealand's most popular sport?

  23 Aug 10 – Which sport has most people watching?   And which has most participating?   The question is being put to HorizonPoll panel members in this survey   You're welcome to join the panel and be heard right now.  ...