With the General Elections looming would think that this would be an appropriate time to gauge New Zealanders' opinion on matters other than Political Parties.
This could easily actioned by handing out an extra voting page with several contentious issues listed e.g. retention of Anti-smacking Law, compulsory 3rd Party Insurance, Parole Board retention, full Easter Trading, euthanasia, hard labour for prisoners, NZ to be a Republic, Waitangi Day to be New Zealand Day, or 120 MPs or less. This survey could be added to the much awaited referendum decision on MMP or another system. Obtaining a simple Yes/No answer, Parliament would, with little expense know the feeling of the citizens of our country, something that they appear to place little importance upon.
Neville Dixon, Papamoa Beach.