Most Kiwis would support longer lockdown: survey

AUCKLAND: Almost twothirds of New Zealanders are willing to have the lockdown extended so Covid19 can be eradicated, a new survey has found.

Research New Zealand has been taking the pulse of the nation since the lockdown began, RNZ reports.

Research NZ partner Emanuel Kalafatelis told Sunday yesterday the latest survey, undertaken last week, also showed strong support for a 10pm nationwide curfew. There had also been marked increases in fears about losing jobs and paying mortgages and rents.

He said people were asked if they would be willing to remain in lockdown for at least another two weeks beyond April 22, when it is due to finish.

Sixty percent agreed they would, 14% disagreed and 26% did not know.

Mr Kalafatelis said 60% showed a high level of support.

‘‘There’s a lot of debate at the moment about the health imperatives versus the economic imperatives, but I think . . . people are wanting this to be dealt with obviously once and for all and so they’re prepared to put up with some pain.’’

Last week, 87% felt most New Zealanders were observing restrictions on movement. This week, it has fallen to 79%.

In relation to police getting tougher, 85% agreed and 72% said a 10pm curfew should be introduced to restrict any unnecessary travel.

Young people are showing the highest levels of concern about the lockdown and are the ones who are struggling to stay in their bubble.

More parents are worried about how young children are coping with their restricted lives. The figure rose to 85% from 82% the previous week.

Fears over job losses have risen, from 57% to 67%.

Worry about paying the mortgage went up to 64%, from 57%, while rent payments are a concern for 64% from 53% the previous week.

Mr Kalafatelis was surprised more people were worried about gaining government support for their businesses, up from 72% to 74%.

He had expected that would have gone down as more businesses accessed the government services.

Another surprising finding is that 54% are still uneasy about the country’s food supply. — The New Zealand Herald