The Research New Zealand poll during June of 481 people found 77 percent didn’t support spending money on the non-binding referendum which will cost $8.9m.

Eighteen percent felt it was a good use of taxpayer dollars, while five percent were unsure.

Research New Zealand director Emanuel Kalafatelis said New Zealanders appeared reluctant to spend so much on a referendum during a recession.

“Despite widespread protest about the so-called ‘anti-smacking bill’, it seems Kiwis aren’t willing to spend millions of taxpayers’ dollars on a referendum.”

He said it would be interesting to see how opinions on the cost translated to voter numbers.

Of all the demographic differences in the poll, the only significant difference was between the sexes. Eighty percent of female respondents believed the referendum was a waste of money, compared with 70 percent of male respondents.

Should children and young people have the same legal protections from assault as all other citizens have?

This is a much more clearly worded question than the one we’ll be voting on in August, put forth by a group with much more sincere motives the the folks who brought you the current referendum.

We suggest that you consider a Yes Vote on this poll too – go and vote in it!