In this article:
- What are the rules about donating money to political parties?
- What are the rules about donating money to candidates?
- Can I donate money anonymously?
- Can someone from overseas donate money to a political party or candidate?
- What counts as a donation?
- Can I put out my own advertising in support of an issue or candidate?
What are the rules about donating money to political parties?
Parties must report donations, contributions and loans:
Information on the rules for reporting party donations is available on our website.
Previous years’ returns are available on our website
What are the rules about donating money to candidates?
Candidates must report the identity of donors who donate more than $1,500 in the returns they submit after each election. For donations under these amounts, candidates must keep accurate records.
More information on the rules for candidate donations are available on our website.
Can I donate money anonymously?
You can donate up to NZ$1,500 anonymously directly to a party or candidate. You can also donate more than this anonymously as a Donation Protected from Disclosure. If you donate more than NZ$1,500, the party/candidate is required to pass the donation to the Electoral Commission, and the Electoral Commission then passes the donation onward to the party anonymously.
Can someone from overseas donate money to a political party or candidate?
Donations or contributions of more than $50 from an overseas person are not permitted under New Zealand law.
What counts as a donation?
A donation can be money, goods or services – such as:
- Free goods or services with a reasonable market value over $300.
- A discount on goods or services with a reasonable market value over $300, the difference between the market value and the price the candidate/party pays is a donation.
- If you sell over-valued goods or services (for example, at a fundraising auction), the difference between the reasonable market value and the price the buyer pays is a donation.
- If the party/candidate gets credit on better terms than the normal terms for similar credit at the time, the value of the better terms is a donation.
There are exceptions to donation rules. The following don’t count as donations:
- Volunteer labour.
- Money candidates give to their own campaign.
Can I put out my own advertising in support of an issue or candidate?
If you put out advertising about a candidate, party or election issue, but are not a candidate or party yourself, you're a third-party promoter.
Guidance for third party promoters is available on our website.