Public opinion polling is an important tool for understanding how a population feels about a particular issue, or which political parties they would vote for. But which details about a poll matter, and why?

This guide offers a brief overview of what information to look out for about a poll, and why this information should be transparent. It outlines how polls work, aspects of polls that speak to their quality, including sample size, error, and sampling methods, and how polls relate to actual party representation in parliament. Journalists reporting on a poll should report information on each of these features as they give important information to evaluate the reliability of the poll results.

If you’d like more information about each of these points, and political polling in the New Zealand context, please consult the accompanying detailed guide, accessible at https://inzight.co.nz/apps/polling-guide.


Quick Polling Guide (PDF)

Understanding public opinion polling in New Zealand

A quick guide to understanding political polling in New Zealand.

This booklet outlines how polls work, aspects of polls that speak to their quality, including sample size, error, and sampling methods, and how polls relate to actual party representation in parliament.

Political Polling Guide