KEY POINTS:
Young people are defying the stereotype of being liberal greenies and are almost as likely as their elders to vote for National in November's election.
Just on 42 per cent of voters under 30 in the Herald's survey of 600 people from Cape Reinga to Fiordland say they are voting National and 37 per cent Labour, compared with 44 per cent National and 35 per cent Labour in the overall survey.
And only 10 per cent say they will vote Green, only marginally above the 8 per cent in the full survey.
The survey found Labour still appeals to some young voters because of its 2005 decision to wipe interest on student loans for graduates who stay in New Zealand.
But others are now more focused on the same issues of higher living costs and crime that worry older voters - especially the cost of housing.
"I was a student last time, so Labour catered for my needs," said a Christchurch social worker, 25.
"Now that I'm working, it's what are they all going to bring to the party."
