Shane Jones List MP
3 March 2008 Media Statement

Marae Digipoll a "dodgy poll" says Jones

The Marae Digipoll is a “dodgy poll” and eyebrows need to be raised in regards to its results said Northland List MP and Maori Caucus member Shane Jones.

He was referring to the weekend poll that polled only 1003 Maori voters -- 665 registered on the Maori roll and only -- 338 on the general roll.

Overall it showed that Maori are strongly in favour of Prime Minister Helen Clark’s leadership and support for Labour is still high, Mr Jones of Awanui said.

However, the sample size of 665 voters on the Maori roll puts the poll’s findings relating to the individual Maori seats into question.

On average just 95 Maori were polled for each of the Maori seats.

With those numbers the margin of error for each seat, according to the Prime Minister is anywhere from 11 percent to 19 percent.

“A sample size that small simply can’t yield reliable findings. This poll has too many limitations and it needs to be taken with more than a grain salt.

“It is not a Digipoll, it is clearly a dodgy poll”, Mr Jones said.

ENDS

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