More than half of small and medium-sized businesses are hoping for a change of government in this year’s October election.
That’s according to a nationwide survey of just over 550 SME owners and decision-makers conducted by software accounting firm MYOB.
Of those SMEs polled, 64% say that it is time for a change in government, while just 21% believe the current Government deserves to be re-elected and 10% say it doesn’t make any difference to them who is in power.
The survey also revealed local business leaders are clear that improving law and order, reducing costs to households, cutting red tape and a focus on skilled labour needs, should feature among the next Government’s key priorities.
Helen Lea, MYOB chief employee experience officer and government policy lead, says the priorities and concerns of SMEs often overlap with the general population.
“With more than 550,000 SMEs in New Zealand, local business owners and the people who work for them represent a significant voting base.
“They are at the heart of our communities, and we consistently see that with the exception of some business-specific policies, they are eager to see action on issues affecting all New Zealanders,” Lea says.
“The past few years have presented numerous hurdles for business and since the last General Election, we have seen a steady but consistent drop in satisfaction around the Government’s support of business from the SME community, coinciding with falling economic confidence.
“With 64% of SMEs polled in our 2023 Business Monitor admitting they were dissatisfied with the current Government, this sentiment is likely contributing to their current desire for change,” Lea says.
In terms of which political party SMEs believe has a greater understanding of their business needs, National ranks highest on 47%, with Labour and ACT following on 15% each.
The new poll shows the voting intentions of SME decision-makers also reflect this sentiment. Currently, National is leading the SME vote, with 42% of business decision-makers surveyed expecting they’ll cast their vote for them this election, while Labour and ACT both sit at 15%, followed by the Green Party on 6%, NZ First on 5%, and Te Pati Māori on 4%.
Lea points out that while the local business sector may be perceived to have traditionally had stronger alignment with National and ACT, Labour enjoyed a strong surge in support from SMEs in 2020.
“This year we’re seeing a return to previous form, with National likely to secure more votes from leaders of local small and medium businesses,” she says.
