Dramatic Shift In Race For Christchurch Mayoralty

The first public poll on the Christchurch mayoral contest since the earthquake shows Mayor Bob Parker clearly in the lead. The UMR Research poll shows that Bob Parker leads Jim Anderton by 55%-41% amongst decided voters. The last poll in June showed Parker trailing Anderton by 32% (Parker 28%, Anderton 60%).

The poll also shows that Christchurch City residents believe that the rebuilding process is being handled effectively.

- 88% believe that Bob Parker has handled the aftermath of the earthquake well.

- Large majorities also think that Civil Defence (94%), the City Council (90%), EQC (88%) and the insurance companies have handled the aftermath well.

56% of Christchurch City residents think that people who do not have insurance should not be compensated for damage to their houses from the earthquake.

These results are based upon an online survey of a representative sample of 361 Christchurch City residents, conducted by UMR Research. The survey was in the field from 21st-27th September 2010. The margin of error for sample size of n=361 for a 50% figure at the ‘95% confidence level’ is ±5.2%.

The survey was paid for by UMR Research, and was not commissioned by any of the candidates or any other third party.

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