Kiwis mis-trust politicians on election promises

June 2008 – Trust in priests on this rise. Politicians in opposition are trusted more than politicians in government. Telecom New Zealand wins our trust, while home cleaners loose our trust. Lawyers more trusted than Accountants.

A survey conducted by legal and accounting group in June 2008, involving 1112 Australian and New Zealand employers and employees provides a clear picture of those we trust and those we have less faith in.

In a follow up survey from 2007, respondents were asked to rate how much they trusted a range of 42 different people and organisations, from our political leaders and charity organisations to teachers and home cleaners.

As in 2007, Aussies and Kiwis agree that most health professions continue to hold our trust with ambulance drivers, nurses, pharmacists, doctors and dentists topping the list. Once again, telemarketers, car salesmen and real estate agents rate as least trustworthy.

Overall, Kiwis indicated a distinct lack of trust that either political party would follow through with their election promises, with the National Party coming out only marginally better than the Labour Party.

MSI Global Alliance spokesperson Charles Hornor commented, “We saw a few very interesting differences in the results from last year – in particular priests seem to have renewed our trust.” Perhaps most interestingly we can see a fatigue coming through when it comes to trusting promises from politicians in an election year.

There were also a few notable differences as the Kiwi lawyers topped the trust ranking, while Aussie lawyers come in at 20. It would seem that Telstra, Australia took a dive for the worse dropping six places, while Telecom New Zealand gained six places on the New Zealand chart. However, there was a common understanding that accountants are trusted on both sides of the Tasman.

On a political note the leaders of both countries are still more trusted than the opposition leaders, with the Prime Minister in Australia winning trust over the opposition. However with the impending election in New Zealand, it seems the kiwi vote is very close with only one ranking in trust separating the two. Interestingly ‘politicians in government’ in New Zealand have fallen four places while politicians in opposition have jumped six places.

Mr Hornor commented, “Comparing the results from last year, highlights some definite common ideals, with health professionals being a clear winner, is that because we dare not question those who look after our health. Yet, we continue to doubt the professions that are known for not telling the truth, government leaders, telemarketers, real estate agents and car salesmen.”

Click here to view the survey results.