The majority of New Zealanders think it is okay to smack children, that the current anti-smacking law is not working and they will vote no in the upcoming referendum, a poll shows.
[comment caption=Do you think it is okay to smack a child?]The TV One News Colmar Brunton poll found 83 percent of New Zealanders questioned believed it was okay to smack children under some circumstances.
Two percent said it was okay under any circumstances and 14 percent said it was not okay under any circumstances.
A 2007 change to the Crimes Act made it illegal for parents to use force against children for "correction", but also allowed police the discretion not to prosecute "inconsequential" cases.
Of those questioned, 63 percent said the current law as it relates to smacking and child discipline was not working. Twenty-five percent said it was and 12 percent did not know.
The postal ballot referendum currently being held asks: Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?
The poll showed 83 percent of people would vote no, 13 percent yes and 5 percent did not know or were not taking part in the referendum.
Most people (70 percent) said they would vote in the referendum, 24 percent said they would not and 6 percent were unsure.
Despite most people saying they would vote to change the law 76 percent of those asked did not believe the $9 million being spent on the referendum was a good use of taxpayers' money.
Politicians have previously said the law as it stands was working, the referendum was part of the democratic process and they would listen to the public.
Prime Minister John Key said while the law technically said smacking was illegal that was not how it was being administered.
Six monthly police reviews showed it was working well.
"I've always argued that if the law doesn't work we will change it. If an overwhelming bulk of New Zealanders vote no then what that should do, I think, is give Parliament the strength of courage to change the law if it starts not working," he told Newstalk ZB.
Mr Key said the Government had other priorities.
Mr Key, Labour leader Phil Goff and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett have said they will not vote, instead taking the chance to listen to public opinion.
