National edges up to 50 per cent in latest poll

After eight years in office, John Key's National Party is on 50 per cent in the 1 News Colmar Brunton poll. Photo/ Greg Bowker

National and Labour have both slightly increased their support in the latest 1 News Colmar Brunton poll and small parties are down slightly.

National is up by 2 points from its September poll to 50 per cent.

Labour is up by two to 28 per cent. But with the Greens on 11 per cent (down two) and New Zealand First on 10 per cent (down one), the three combined make 49 per cent - virtually a dead heat with National.

Of National's current support partners, the Maori Party is down one to 1 per cent, and Act and United Future did not register above 1 per cent.

Despite falling far below the 5 per cent threshold, each of them survives in Parliament because each party has an electorate seat, Waiariki, Epsom and Ohariu respectively.

Prime Minister John Key is still preferred Prime Minister by 36 per cent, down two points.
Labour leader Andrew Little is on 8 per cent, down two.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is on 8 per cent, down by three points.
Half of the poll was taken before the Kaikoura earthquake and half after it.

Respondents were also asked about US president elect Donald Trump and what impact his presidency would have on New Zealand: 8 per cent thought it would be good for New Zealand; 39 per cent thought it would be bad and 40 per cent thought it would make no difference.