New Zealanders likely to favour status quo

By AFP
November 24, 2011

WELLINGTON: New Zealanders go to the polls Saturday, apparently in no mood for change after a tumultuous year which saw the...

WELLINGTON: New Zealanders go to the polls Saturday, apparently in no mood for change after a tumultuous year which saw the nation shattered by a devastating earthquake and buoyed by Rugby World Cup glory.

Prime Minister John Key's centre-right National Party holds a commanding lead in opinion polls, attracting 50-54 percent support, compared to around 26-27.5 for the main opposition Labour Party.

Key's personal popularity is even more marked, with the former investment banker enjoying a 49-53 percent approval rating as preferred prime minister, while Labour's Phil Goff languishes on 10-13 percent.

Massey University political marketing expert Claire Robinson said Key, who in 2008 ended nine years of Labour rule under Helen Clark, was easily the most popular politician of his generation.

"It began when the public really started taking notice of him in 2007 and it's never really waned, it's quite extraordinary," she said.

"Helen Clark was popular too at her peak but she was never mobbed in shopping malls by people wanting to have her autograph."

Key's image was enhanced by his heartfelt response to a string of disasters, including February's Christchurch earthquake, in which 181 people died, and a mine blast which killed 29. (AFP)

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