Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Nelson backs tougher laws on pokies and alcohol

18 January 2010

Nelson MP Nick Smith today released results from his annual survey of constituents on topical issues which showed public support for tougher controls on pokies, national standards of literacy and numeracy, the GST/income tax switch, and a split drinking age.

“84% of respondents want Councils to have more powers to control the location and number of pokie machines in Nelson. This reflects the controversy over additional pokie machines in the Victory community and public concern over the social harm from this particularly addictive form of gambling. There is a message here for the Nelson City Council to use the powers it has to address these public concerns as well as for Government to toughen the law. I will be following this up with the Minister of Internal Affairs and in my dialogue with the Nelson Mayor and Council.”

“There is a high level of concern in Nelson about alcohol and violence reflected in the support for raising the drinking age for off-licence and numerous comments about the upsurge in central city violence. While 58% of respondents supported a split 20/18 drinking age, many commented that the age for both on and off licences should be raised to 20. I will be supporting the legislation before Parliament to raise the age for off-licence drinking. This has been reinforced by many anecdotal reports of young people stocking up on cheap off-licence alcohol prior to hitting the Nelson nightlife and contributing to the problem. I will also be working with the Nelson Council and Police this year on trying to advance the 1am one way door policy.”

“The survey also showed more than two to one support for the Government’s introduction of national standards in literacy and numeracy, with 71% support. There were a lot of very constructive comments on how the new system could be improved and refined and I will be passing these onto the Minister of Education.”

“Support for the Government’s tax switch was 59%. I am pleasantly surprised by the level of support for the change because no one likes GST going up. I am encouraged that most people recognise that improving the incentives to work and save and to discourage excessive consumer spending is the right economic strategy for New Zealand when our level of private indebtedness is so high.”

The survey, undertaken by Dr Smith every year, was distributed to all Nelson households in November last year with responses due in December. A total of 507 responses were received.

“The lower response rate last year probably reflects the survey being done in the busy run-up to Christmas when there is also a lot of advertising material in the mail. I intend to reschedule the survey earlier this year to try and get a higher response.”

“While survey responses are not scientific like a poll, they do give me a useful steer from constituents on topical issues and help keep me in touch with Nelson views.”

ENDS

Nelson Electorate Survey Responses 2010