The polls: a warning to the commentariat

The scale of the turnout for the weekend's 'freedom' convoy should not be dismissed. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Tue, 08 Feb 2022

For the political class, the polls published since the beginning of this year amount to a warning.Expressed at its simplest, that warning is: ‘don’t take Twitter so seriously’.Anyone engaging regularly with social media – and most political junkies and journalists do – would be blind not to have observed how shrill, vituperative and hyper-partisan political discourse has suddenly become among the keyboard warriors.It’s Jacindamaniacs this, anti-vaxxers that, at a level of toxic rage that reflects frustration,...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market close

NZ sharemarket down 1.13% for the week

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 11,796.21, down 39.83 points or 0.34%.

Graham Skellern 6:15pm

Law & Regulation

Two new judicial appointments

Attorney general Judith Collins reveals new judges for high court and court of appeal.

Staff reporters 3:15pm

Economy

Fast-track ‘stakeholders’ list released

Major corporates including Carter Group and Fonterra are on the list.

Victoria Young 2:30pm

Sponsored

Boosting rural growth with innovation

Productivity and sustainability go hand in hand for the rural sector

ASB Scam Update

Sponsored

Auckland's new "Midtown" taking shape

5-star hybrid workspaces, combined with the City Rail Link, are creating a revitalised inner-city zone designed to motivate workers back to the office.

Alberts