Most New Zealanders say politics has become more negative, survey finds

Fifty-nine percent of New Zealanders agree that politics in New Zealand has become more negative, while 12% disagree, according to a survey reported by RNZ. The survey asked about threats against politicians and what those threats could mean for the people willing to stand for office.

The poll was conducted between 22 and 26 October among a representative sample of 1041 New Zealanders aged 18 and over. Its findings were presented by Emanuel Kalafatelis of Rangahau Aotearoa Research New Zealand.

Respondents were also asked about what shapes people's views of politicians. Eighty-one percent agreed that the cost of living is contributing to those attitudes, while 6% disagreed. Seventy percent believed many voters form their views of candidates based on what they see on social media, and 8% disagreed.

On threats, nearly two-thirds agreed that coping with them is simply part of working in politics now. Forty-four percent agreed that politicians might need to stop engaging directly with the public if current trends continued, while 27% disagreed.

Slightly more than half said that if threats got worse, the quality of candidates standing for election would suffer. Fifteen percent disagreed with that view.

The survey also asked whether some politicians face greater risk than others. Fifty-one percent agreed that female politicians are more at risk, and 21% disagreed.

On protection, 28% thought politicians should receive taxpayer-funded protection around the clock. Forty percent were opposed.