Since 1996, just over $40 million has been given in named donations to political parties in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Political donations bring into play two core rights or values in our society: political equality and freedom of expression. Donating is one way to express one’s support for a political view and/or party. But donations can earn people access and influence not available to others – which contradicts the basic political equality that lies at the heart of democracy.

For their research, Max and Lisa have interviewed former MPs and party presidents, major political donors, trade unions, and other experts. All interviews were conducted on the basis of anonymity, though some interviewees have said they are happy to be named.

Their interviewees, who were spread across the political spectrum, had a wide range of views. Some wanted private donations rolled right back, and much more taxpayer funding of political parties. Others were pretty happy with the system as it is. Max and Lisa will fully summarise their responses in their final report. But it is already clear that there are many reasons to be concerned about how political parties are funded – and lots of options for doing it better.

Dough Nation: The Murky World of Political Donations in Aotearoa New Zealand

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