Large anonymous political donations climb to almost $500k so far in election year
New Zealand political parties have received nearly $500,000 in anonymous donations so far this election year. The National Party has received the majority of these funds, which are protected from public disclosure by the Electoral Commission.
Why it matters
The use of anonymous donation channels raises concerns about transparency and the influence of undisclosed funding in democratic elections.
Political parties have banked $468,160 this year through "protected from disclosure" donations, a form of giving that keeps the donor's identity hidden from both the public and the party.
National has received $316,160, Opportunity $70,000, NZ First $57,000 and ACT $25,000. Information about this type of donation is released quarterly. The most up-to-date numbers to June show donations have already exceeded what was given over the whole of the last election year, in 2023.
Donations which are protected from disclosure currently allow donors to give up to $61,425 per party during this election cycle without public scrutiny. The donations are funnelled to political parties by the Electoral Commission to keep the donor's identity secret.
Donors must confirm they are based in New Zealand but they don't need to explain why they want to donate in secrecy.
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