Donations last year to the New Zealand National Party, currently in a coalition government with ACT and New Zealand First, totalled nearly $5 million (US$2.9 million) in 2024—three times what Labour received.
Meanwhile, the Greens, in opposition and plagued by a year of scandals, netted almost as much as Labour.
The published figures, released by the Electoral Commission, show all parties receiving larger amounts than previously, due to new rules requiring smaller donations to be included in their reporting: the ceiling was reduced from $15,000 to $5,000.
Any anonymous donations have to be declared, and if it is for more than $1,500, the excess is paid to the Commission.
The parties’ 2024 returns show National received $4,889,538.20 while Labour’s donors gave only a third as much, at $1,627,713.92.
Despite the Green Party losing three MPs—one forced to resign after being charged with repeated instances of shoplifting, one after she was involved in a business accused of exploiting migrant labour, and a third after bullying claims—supporters weren’t deterred from donating, giving it almost as much as Labour at $1,588,680.02.
Of the other two parties in government, ACT, widely perceived as having the backing of wealthy business donors, received $1,463,445.22.
NZ First, frequently the subject of criticism, and even a failed legal action, over its use of trusts and foundations to funnel donations through, was given $758,773.91 and a loan of $119,000.
The Opportunities Party (TOP), despite never having managed to pass the 5 percent party vote threshold which would gain it representation in Parliament, and never having won an electorate seat, received more than any other minor party. TOP’s donors supported it with $82,648.09.
The Māori Party, which has 6 MPs, received $53,846.42.
None of the others that have filed returns were elected, which include the Women’s Rights Party, Vision NZ, Animal Justice Party, NZ Outdoors and Freedom, and Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.
The New Conservatives and New Zeal parties have not lodged returns, and five of the parties that contested the last election have disbanded and are no longer registered with the commission.
They are Democracy NZ, Democratic Alliance, Freedoms NZ, the Leighton Baker Party, New Nation Party, and NZ Loyal.
National, ACT, and NZ First formed a coalition government after voters turned away from Labour, which had been in government since 2017.
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led Labour to secure a rare majority government in 2020, but the party then lost 31 seats in 2023.
