1972 New Zealand Pre-election Survey

This was the first of a series of surveys in the Lyttelton Electoral District of New Zealand. In addition to providing some basic background data on electoral behaviour during the 1972 New Zealand general election in a highly marginal (Labour-held) electorate, the study also paid particular attention to the public's perceptions of the personal characteristics of the major party candidates in the electorate in an attempt to assess whether a 'personal vote' for (or against) the candidates could be discerned and quantified. Topics covered include: knowledge of local parliamentary representatives and candidates; suitability of candidates to occupy the seat; political orientation; vote intention and involvement with political parties; and opinions on the likely outcome of the general election. Background variables include sex, age, education, occupation of respondent and spouse, length of residence in the electorate and religion.