KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Catherine
I have always voted for the left of centre parties. I will vote for the National party at the next election. Helen Clark has been a very capable Prime Minister. But I'm afraid that cleverness and goodness don't always go together. When a government says that it's ok for my daughter to be a prostitute, but not ok for me to gave a smack on the bottom to my child once or twice a year (rather than subjecting them to an emotional tirade), then something is really odd. I think the current government is made up of individuals who feel empowered by influencing the culture in a way that fits with their vision of morality (which in my opinion - given the examples stated above - is somewhat misguided). Personally, it lessens my respect for the law. I don't want to be under a government that makes dubious and self-gratifying laws anymore. My plea to National: when you get in, please be compassionate to the elderly, disabled and children (especially children born into poverty - who should not be made to pay for the actions of their parents). That will be enough to win my confidence that my vote has been well placed.
Taxed out (Auckland)
Ms Clark and Dr Cullen have no one to blame but themselves for the drop in polls. How long did they expect to rob the New Zealand public of money before something would give? Tax is fine, when it is used where it's taken to be used for. The latest fuel tax is a slap in the face when you consider how much tax they already take for roads. One would quite rightly expect New Zealand roads to be so smooth you barely feel them, yet the reality is they are in a shocking state. In fact, our roads are so bad that the Government is pumping billions into "catching up" having done nothing for so long.So long Helen, and take your smug lap dog Cullen when you go. That's the shame with MMP, nobody votes Dr Cullen in at electorate level, but like the terminator..... he'll be back!
Anne McQuinn
After being a Labour support all my voting life and a member of the Labour Party, I'm devastated at the widening gap between what was my party and National. However, I work in the health industry (Community Laboratory) and simply because of what the Health Minister and thus the PM have allowed to happen to Health in NZ I have no choice but to add my name to those who have deserted the Labour Party.
BGI (Paerao)
Labour are dead in the water. Tired of paying and paying for a lost socialist cause. 3 things John Key has that get my vote; Pants, wife,children.
Karen
I have always up until recently been a Labour supporter, But John Key, is set to take over Helen Clarke. His key is: He has forgotten his roots and where comes from. Bring on National fast!
Janine
Please please make your vote count at election time. We need a change and National is it. Labour has done nothing for me, my family and my country. New Zealand is in a terrible state, Too much violence in the streets and in homes - and what is being done about it - nothing. Bring on a change!
Andrew
Goodbye Labour! You've spent the best part of a decade introducing terrible law after terrible law aimed at decaying our moral framework, whilst still finding time to make us a welfare state. You've brought dependency to the working classes, freedom to criminals and sent our best people overseas. Good riddance!
Andrew Atkin
Helen Clark can continue to contemptuously laugh off serious questions and issues, and because most people have virtually no substantial understanding of what's really going on in our country, and in turn only go by image, it just might work (as usual)
Cleo Fraser
The "new polls" being accounted lately will not put me off voting for both the Labour Party and Helen Clark. She is right in saying that John Key is going through a "honeymoon period". In my opinion Key is yet to define himself as a leader and an MP - it will take a lot more to persuade me.
Jeni the Best
What can Labour do? How about fall on their swords. I am sick and tired of this nanny state where mother Helen knows best and daddy Cullen thinks he knows how you can save your pocket money for a rainy day. I need my money today to pay for the extra taxes they want to charge me just because I have a job. Bring on John Key - the sooner the better - at least he has had a job, yep a real job not a parliament seat, and he has risen from being a housing corp tenant to a millionaire. What a fantastic thing! Imagine if all our housing NZ tenants did that! The election can't come soon enough for me.
Chieftain
Labour's only hope is to call a snap election. Every day delayed will be one more step toward the certainty of watching Helen swing from the metaphorical yardarm, twisting in the wind, with everyone clapping and cheering whilst she dances a merry jig midair. Where Helen's fate goes, so goes the otherwise-talentless Labour caucus. Every day that Helen's credibility is undermined is another day that Labour's credibility is damaged beyond repair. Snap election now, please, Helen!
Overtaxed & over here
Bring in tax bracket relief retrospective to the date of the rich tax.
Tax paying NZer (Tauranga)
Well there is nothing that Labour can do for me other than tax me more. If National dont win the next election I am leaving the country. Fortunately for me I have qualifications that will allow me to leave. I am sick of working and paying tax for other people to live on. Give Helen, Trev, Phil, Mike, Winny, Jenny, Pete Dunne nice cushy jobs like Jonathan Hunt somewhere else and leave NZ to those who work.Ps If we could find Winston Peters we could have a vote of no confidence and a snap election.... if we can find him...is he in the country?
Lars
Labour can now go back and hide under the rocks they crawled out from 12 years ago. The NZ public have had enough of the hypocritical deception and social engineering that this govt has pushed.The sooner Labour are out of Govt the better this country will be.
Anne (Auckland)
Quit the dictatorial attitudes, listen to the people, and act in a way that benefits the lives of all the members of this society-not just those you favour. Start acting with respect for the people of this country rather than contempt. Concern yourselves with improving our lives rather than pushing your own moral (or lack of it) viewpoint and misguided anti-Christian and political aims. I was always a Labour supporter but not in the foreseeable future. Huge surpluses and money wasted while people go without health care and often even basic humanity; an education system that indoctrinates rather than teaches;the safety of children was so important to this govt. it came after legalising same sex marriages and prostitution;rape and sex scandals in the police force as a system(and elsewhere) are trivialised by suggesting that it will all be fixed by hiring women and minorities! What planet are they living on? How about promoting that our society starts valuing character, integrity, and self-respect? Start a debate on the values we choose to live by? Stop attacking decency and start promoting it including in economics. But then the people would be harder to bully wouldn't they?
Alex
Labour are finished - these polls now have their own momentum and will continue to get worse for Labour. Sanity is prevailing in this country at last. I am disappointed it has taken so long for the majority to realise the fraud perpetrated on this country by Labour ideologists. Until John Key came along Helen Clark was regarded as the best politician in living memory - that may be so but it translates into her being the worst Prime Minister ever in my view..The outdated socialism practiced by the NZ Labour Party has never worked in practice anywhere in the world. My only concern it that the damage these people have done to the fabric of this country is still repairable.
Justin (California)
Why Labor's long-overdue fall?! The overwhelming PC-ishness wrecking society; the rampant violence; the thuggish, unbelievably intimidating and discourteous society NZ has rapidly become; the pandering to bludgers and thugs and criminals; a truly useless police force - combined with the public's complete disregard for rules or laws or authority; unbelievably ugly, intimidating Auckland city; the increasingly unkempt, rundown and graffiti-ridden Third World 'feel' and look of the entire country...just a few of the reasons we got out of there, never to go back. Like many kiwis over here agree, give us the civility (polite locals; no stare-downs and filthy, glaring street thugs; a 10pm curfew on loitering under-18's) and lifestyle (plunging crime rates and no graffiti, and eternal sunshine) of Southern California over intimidating, gloomy, ignorant, insular New Zealand. Thanks Helen. More power to John Key...or anyone who can bring back a semblance of the New Zealand of just a decade or two ago. Even just a bit of law and order would be helpful!! As most western countries move forward, N.Z. lurches backward at a rate of knots. Third World in every sense.
Daveo (Chch)
Tax cuts for NZ right now would spell a disaster,Inflation would rocket through the roof because people would spend more money than they have. Labour has proven to be a stable government. I could not trust National whilst Bill English and his cronies are at the helm with John Key. Changing government in my view is not a safe thing to do, not whilst things are pretty good.
Ian (Auckland)
With such a large difference the current governing parties should take stock and realise that they no longer represent the will of the people. Either they should change their ways - new leader and front bench - or do the honourable thing and announce an election. The minor parties in the coalition should be very concerned. They have the power to determine things and they should. The Greens need to stop abstaining and vote like they were elected to do. If they brought down the Govt they would be doing what the people want. Same for NZ First and United Future. Their stocks with the voters would increase if they forced an election as it is so obvious that this is what the people want.Labour has been in power too long, they are arrogant and do not understand the will of NZers. They need a period in opposition and soon.
Nigel (Auckland)
For Labour to gain my vote, I would need to see Helen Clark dumped as PM, the anti smacking legislation reversed, personal tax cuts, a reduction in Social Welfare benefits paid to the un-employed, and Philip Tito Field imprisoned.
Sad Voter
Under Helen Clark and Michael Cullen, we have been made the lost generation, blamed for everything from poor infrastructure to the rights / wrongs of the past and having to pay for it. Government never says anything positive about the current generation just piles up the blame. On top of all this, we say goodbye to thousands of New Zealanders who have gone overseas and replaced them with those flocking to get out of their country, stimulated inflation by government spending and handouts causing interest rates to rise, increase my personal tax rate, put up the price of petrol to cover the countries failing roading infrastructures, then got the local councils to do the same for local roading, water rates and infrastructure, changed the employment laws so that employers can not get rid of bad staff unless they are willing to pay, build a government service second to none, problem is that the new government service is useless, gave everyone except married couple families more rights and tried to cover this off with handouts, allowed the crime rate to go rampant and covered it off with faulty statistics and liberal judges.. the list just goes. Now the main object is to go green which basically means the poor old taxpayer will pay more tax.Overall lets be unhappy about life and look at the negatives just like Helen and Michael. Why do I stay - not sure but I am not proud to be called a New Zealander under this government.
pCb (Auckland)
The answer is so simple. Clear our every UN inspired, liberial / Socialist from the government benches leaving . . . . errrrrrrrr just about nobody.
Caroline
I'm not sure if there is anything Labour could do now to get my vote back for the next election. But the main thing that has taken my vote away from Labour has been their unbelievable arrogance. They no longer seem to think they are at all accountable to the voting public. They ram through hugely unpopular legislation and dismiss the protests of the majority by saying 'we just don't understand'. They tell us that they know how to spend our money better than we do, and seem to believe that we're all living in luxury, when the reality is that many people are really struggling. They constantly listen to the views of noisy minorities and yet ignore the majority. Basically they treat us like children and constantly tell us that they know best, while seeking to regulate every facet of our lives. And even now, with their support plummeting, they still refuse to admit that they might possibly be doing something wrong. All they can do even now is point fingers at National, and frankly, that argument is getting very tired. I think Labour is long overdue for a reminder that they have to answer to the voters. I am sincerely hoping for a change of government next year.
Phil
Nothing, I'm not a big fan on socialism and being told by an arrogant govt on how to save my money. I can do that quite well myself and provide for my family. Just give me the tax cuts now and watch this space.
Nola McCabe
Labour has to keep all their promises which they have failed to do.
Arron
Labour must call a press conference and admit that communism has never worked and never will work, and that they were wrong in trying to impose it on NZ. Then they must publicly apologise to NZ's productive class for stealing from them over the past three terms in order to redistribute wealth to the beneficiaries and refugees. Then they must slash taxes and WINZ handouts simultaneously, and the leaders must submit themselves to the court to be charged with treason.
Anne (Auckland)
Quit the dictatorial attitudes, listen to the people, and act in a way that benefits the lives of all the members of this society-not just those you favour. Start acting with respect for the people of this country rather than contempt. Concern yourselves with improving our lives rather than pushing your own moral (or lack of it) viewpoint and misguided anti-Christian and political aims. I was always a Labour supporter but not in the foreseeable future. Huge surpluses and money wasted while people go without health care and often even basic humanity; an education system that indoctrinates rather than teaches;the safety of children was so important to this govt. it came after legalising same sex marriages and prostitution;rape and sex scandals in the police force as a system(and elsewhere) are trivialised by suggesting that it will all be fixed by hiring women and minorities! What planet are they living on? How about promoting that our society starts valuing character, integrity, and self-respect? Start a debate on the values we choose to live by? Stop attacking decency and start promoting it including in economics. But then the people would be harder to bully wouldn't they?
Auckland
Helen lost my vote when they started ramming through policy no one wants. I was a staunch Labour voter but started to see cracks when they canned the privy council, then the raft of other changes..need I say more. As a sole trader I'm taxed to hell and back for what? So people who have a family can ride off my hard work? (Working for families & other ridiculous schemes) It's become blindly clear that Labour is a party full of academics that haven't actually lived a real life or worked in real jobs...and that's why I'm voting for John Key - a real kiwi with my interests at heart. It's taken me 8 years to learn what socialism is, and thanks to Labour I now know...take from those who can and give to those who can't/won't.
Colin England
Firstly: Labour needs to explain exactly what National's tax cuts really mean to NZ. Such as the increasing interest bill from overseas debt rising above the $3 billion per year it's costing now and what affect that will have upon people and their children. Secondly: As much as Helen Clark has led our nation out of the doldrums of the 90s and the economic reformations of Rogernomics, they need to ask if she is the one who can now lead us to a better future. Can she paint and sell a vision of egalitarian prosperity to all NZ? Because if she can't then it's time for her to step aside and have someone who can replace her. Thirdly: They need to put forward a concrete plan for our environment and how we are going to protect and nourish it while increasing personal incomes. This cannot be left to the market because the market will never provide. It does do a good job of distribution though once there is something to distribute.
Kim Hutcheson (Sydney)
Hell would freeze over before I voted Labour. The New Zealand has become a welfare state under Clark's governance. Over 300,000 people are dependent on the state for some assistance. A similar number of people now work for the huge bureaucratic spin machine that is the govt, most of them pushing pieces of paper around all day for a living. The chilling reality is this: There are now more than 300,000 people receiving a benefit and we spend nearly $1 million each hour on the welfare system. We are now spending nearly as much on the DPB as we did on the dole when unemployment was at its peak a decade ago. Labour knows that the more beneficiaries it creates, the bigger its pool of potential voters. Why else would they have removed the work-test for those on the DPB? Why else would they have cracked down on unemployment in areas where the unemployed don't live? Labour is soft on welfare and we are all paying the price for it. Labour is guilty of the soft bigotry of low expectations. We're paying for it in higher taxes, we're paying for it with the extra demands on health and education, and we're paying for it with our crime problem.
Tony
Do nothing - it's OK to pass the baton as we all know the cycle of life. It's too late baby now it's too late (Carol king) Everything goes in circle.. bye bye love bye bye happiness (Everly brothers) I told you so..Shelf life? You could say it ain't over till the fat lady sings.. Memories - the way we were. Ha! ha! ha! Strike three and you're out. Who ever takes over to remember if you don't perform out you go simply as that. That's Life Mate.
Tony
People are tiring of a Government that wants to control everything you do, engaging more bureaucracy to control every facet of our lives while enduring the pillage that is the modern taxation system. Middle NZ will get nothing from this Government. It's all about minorities & holding on to power at any cost! In the budget prior to the last election, we were told there was no money despite a record surplus(Remember Michael Cullen's quip in parliament regarding crumbs & you will remember). The government ended up behind in the polls & all of a sudden found that treasury hadn't done their figures correctly & they had hundreds of millions more dollars to spend. Bribing students & promising everyone money that they had said with a straight face that they did not have. Taxation thresholds have not changed & this Government is taking in larger surpluses all the time. But instead of spending this money, we are being asked for more via fuel taxes etc. It's time to take the power back & put in a modern government that wants to let us keep more of our money rather than taxing us to death. Tax cuts in election year - what a surprise. Enjoy your time in opposition Comrade Clark!
Not a Labour Voter
I would consider voting for Labor if they did some radical things: Encouraged and promoted two parent families, repealed the Bill of Rights and replaced it with a Bill of Responsibility. This should be the first step in changing a culture in which people demand "My Rights" while displaying irresponsible behaviour. Made discipline of children a responsibility of parents. There should be no laws or policies that discourage discipline. Note: discipline is not abuse! If Labour moved towards these ideas I would sit up and take notice.
Murray
Labour can do nothing to win my vote. The next election cannot come quickly enough for me. My only hope that the poll trend is translated into sufficient seats for National to govern without the necessity of bowing to so-called coalition partners demands in return for support.
Lesser of two evils
I could go on about particular issues for and against but when I think about it, in my opinion Labour has had a good run, and it's simply time for a change to keep the balance in check. Socialist ideals capture the common vote for a while, but deep down our selfish individualism will always return to balance. We are, of course, human.
RH
Nothing! Labour are history and good riddance to bad rubbish. Helen Clark is a horrendous socialist who has caused very bad damage to New Zealand. Sooner she is gone the better.Maybe we can cart her off to Nambia or somewhere similar.
Bruce
Labour to win my vote? Let me see; we've had the Kahui murders; the Rickard case; the Taito Field cover-up; the anti-smacking bill; rampant and unimpeded gang crime; and an even more bloated and useless public service to fix the un-employment issue. Hide all this behind a "smoke screen" of supposed high house prices. Yep, Labour have done a sensational job giving New Zealanders the NEW Zealand we all want. Can't you see; thinking New Zelanders have already voted for labour.... with a plane ticket out of here.
Home Educator (Hamilton)
What can Labour do now? Lose Helen Clark and her intolerant brand of communism and PC-twaddle.Repeal the s59 law. Give (pre- and post-natal) parenting classes and training tips instead of legislation. Allow parents to raise and train their children in peace. * Give tax relief to single income families. Encouraging one parent (preferably Mum) to love and encourage their children from home - without feeling the need to be 'super-woman'. Concede to John Keys-National?
NG
I don't think that labour can win my vote anymore - the relationship is too far gone. If they would like to try, then a start would be to stop treating me like a child. First on the list must be our ridiculous tax system and Cullen's smarmy treatment of taxpayers. He asks what I would do with my paltry $10 a week. Well, that's $520 a year - that's my kids school fees, a couple of weeks shopping or rent. He says it won't stop me from spending on luxuries... well again Mr. Cullen, recent spending on my ever increasing credit card has been for luxuries such as food, power and phone. You see, you are so far out of touch that you think we are borrowing money to fund our extravagant lifestyles. Sorry Mr. Cullen, we are borrowing money (at extortionate rates, thereby fuelling inflation BTW) often so that we can just put food on the table. I realise that there is a benefit available for my family but frankly I would prefer it if, rather than make me go to welfare (presumable to ask for the money that you took from me in the first place) you allowed me my "Chewing-gum tax" reduction and let me keep what is actually mine.
Auckland
It is no longer possible for Labour to win my vote in the next election. The slipping down of NZ in various OECD rankings during a time of record economic performance is utterly unacceptable, and demonstrates that Labour is not competent enough to govern. Their economic and social policies appear to be formed from a rigid ideological philosophy, and not necessarily in the best interests or desires of the general public.I can forsee Labour requiring a major restructure after (losing) the next election, much like National has had to do in their last few terms in opposition. Labour's credibility is now all but gone, and some fresh blood will be needed to succeed again in the polls.
West Aucks
Its too late for Labour.
National is good, and John Key will be a great leader, but Labour have put themselves in a whole. National is proposing everything the country needs to get ahead. Without tax cuts and business support the country cant go ahead, Labour are punishing business owners and supporting employers. This is causing alot of businesses to close down or go overseas putting money into a different countries economy instead of ours. Labour must confront this to be able to come back. However they haven't delivered on their proposals which got them into government as of yet, and the people dont want to be disappointed anymore. National would gain vote because of this reason. Plus Helen Clack and especially Cullen are getting unbearable with their talking, Just shut up and listen. Oh and we dont care what National did in the 80s. They have different ambitions and a different leader. Come on Helen and Cullen, get on with your job and stop making critical comments. You accuse National for accepting donations, while you steal our money!
Lindsay
Nothing! They have had their chance! They have not listened, they have not acted, they have lied!
It's time for a change. Let's have a snap election before any further damage is done by this Government.
Auckland
I am really pleased with this poll results. Until now I have already voted for Labour, but haven't actually benefited from the govt. in the real terms like say taxes and stuff. No doubt stuff like KiwiSaver could be good in terms of economics, but a lot of young couples like us, would have been happy with an actual tax cuts giving us an immediate benefit. You certainly can't force anyone into saving through ideas like KiwiSaver and hey most of us are mature enough to think about savings for our golden age. In short, I am really happy with this result. Hopefully govt. does some actual visible things if still interested in staying in the power. Good for John Key and Good Luck to Helen Clark!
Bright eyes. One who knows (West Auckland)
Call a snap election.
Jerry Flay
The only way any party can win a person's vote is surely by demonstrating the validity of their policies.If we live in an age where parties make policy simply to win votes, then what is the point of parties?