http://www.stuff.co.nz/southlandtimes/4696337a6568.html

MP’s survey shows concerns

By NICOLA KEAN – The Southland Times | Thursday, 18 September 2008

A survey by Invercargill MP Eric Roy shows a majority of Invercargill residents want to bring back smacking and ban cellphone use in cars.

The survey was sent to 21,500 homes in Invercargill and asked questions on issues from health to a passenger train service.

Almost 12,000 responses had come back and random sampling had been used to come up with statistics, Mr Roy said.

A total of 83 percent of people responding to the survey wanted to repeal the “anti-smacking” legislation removing a legal defence for parents to hit their children.

About 93 percent thought cellphone use in cars should be banned and 57 percent supported a passenger train service out of Invercargill.

The survey was an annual event to keep an eye on the community’s views, he said.

“I kind of need that stuff when we have debates in caucus about where we should go.” Clutha-Southland MP Bill English said he also surveyed constituents annually.

Respondents were concerned about personal security, changing consumption patterns because of rising costs and broadband access.

About 95 percent believed there should be student loan write-offs for health professionals bonded to stay in New Zealand.