I don't know about the one-several/few comparisons, as there are equal numbers renting, at least. And for many of us, an increasing value of the home we live in, isn't of great use unless we are borrowing against it and using it for leverage. Most home owners will now be required to step up and help any children into their first home, and this isn't a few thousand dollars anymore.
But you are right, those who do a bit more thinking and put a bit of effort into their career, are more likely to vote in the elections. I don't have the answer as to how you'd get the 'missing million' to vote in September. If they did vote, National would be in serious trouble, but I don't see National as a sure bet to get back in anyway.
National are trying to get a lot of funds together for 2017. They are well aware that they can buy votes. They paid for all of the TV adverts using the fake
Eminem soundtrack last time. That wasn't cheap for the space. Now they'll probably have to actually pay for the rights too. No matter what happens, they got to run a political ad campaign using Eminem's track, the only party in the world that has done so. The penalty for this abuse of copyright should be large. They have underestimated and denigrated the music industry, they should pay dearly for that.
The fact that Bill is now the leader, will dent their donations, and the court imposed fine will also take some of it.
John Key would have been aware of all of this, so here's a list of good reasons for him to abdicate well before the elections.
Pony-gate, and the obvious inability of National to use his mug on their hoardings in 2017.
National has had three terms, now it's getting hard.
The Labour-Green terms of agreement.
Numerous fibs from Key coming home to roost.
The Press figuring out what the implications of "Dirty Politics" were.
The Eminem Court case.
He's bored, the flag thing didn't work.
He doesn't need the money, thanks.
Protecting future earning pipelines with goodwill.
Worried about tax questions, tax havens (yes, I bet he's using one).
He's wanting some more free time with his family (note the position well down the list).