Goff makes gains in latest poll

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Labour leader Phil Goff has finally managed to take a small chunk out of National's sky high political popularity, but there is still a large chasm between the two major parties.

The TV3 poll put National's support on 55.2 percent (down 4.7 percentage points) and Labour on 30.8 percent (up 3.6 percent).

TV3's latest poll includes the public reaction to Mr Goff's attack on the "shabby deal" between National and the Maori Party over the emissions trading scheme, which he said benefited the Maori elite.

Other political events included protests over proposed hikes in ACC levies and the furore over Maori Party MP Hone Harawira.

Some accused Mr Goff of playing the race card, a charge he strongly denies.

The poll also recorded a dip in support for Prime Minister John Key with those thinking he was doing a good job down 9.4 percent to 72.9 percent.

Mr Key was the preferred prime minister of 49.9 percent (down 5.9) and Mr Goff was preferred by 8 percent (up 3.3).

This is the first time in the poll he has risen about his predecessor Helen Clark who still registered 6.1 percent (down 2.1) even though she has retired from politics and works for the United Nations in New York.

Other political parties also recorded minor changes:

*Greens up 0.9 to 7.8 percent

*Maori Party down 0.7 to 1.7 percent

*ACT up 0.1 percent to 1.8 percent

*NZ First up 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent

*United Future steady on 0.1 percent.

- NZPA