Poll: most oppose Wellywood sign
Majority not happy with the airport's plan; support for the sign's hokey humour strongest among the over 60s.
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Budget 25
Opponents of the controversial Wellywood sign to be erected near Wellington’s airport have blown away supporters in a UMR Research poll conducted last night.
The poll shows that a clear majority of those aware of the debate (64%) are opposed with only 22% in support and 13% who neither approve nor disapprove of the sign and 1% who were unsure. Reflecting the emotion the issue has attracted, almost half (44%) strongly disapprove of the sign.
These results are from a telephone poll of a representative sample 300 people aged 18 years and over living in the Wellington area. It has a margin of error of +5.7%.
People were asked whether they were aware of the debate about the sign – 91% were – and if they were aware of it whether they strongly approved, somewhat approved, somewhat disapproved or strongly disapproved of it.
Approval among 18-29 year-olds was the lowest at just 8% approving the sign compared with 27% of those aged 60 years and over. Among that younger age group 75% were opposed including 50% who were strongly opposed.
Support among Wellington City residents stood at 27% with 65% opposed and 8% in neither camp. Across the other cities (Hutt City, Upper Hutt and Porirua) 17% were in support, 62% opposed and 21% were in neither camp.
Wellington Airport is majority owned by Infratil (which recently rebranded its Shell service stations as "Z"), with the balance of shares held by the council.
The airport's official Facebook page has been over-run with negative comments, and several protest sites launched.
NBR staff
Tue, 24 May 2011
Tue, 24 May 2011
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Poll: most oppose Wellywood sign
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