From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 50s
Labour's election funding gap
Labour needs $4.1m to fund 2026 election after $900k broadcasting allocation.
In brief
Labour needs $4.1m to fund 2026 election after $900k broadcasting allocation. Labour raised $890,391 in large donations this year, far below the $4.1m needed to cover its election campaign costs. Originally reported by RNZ.
Labour's election costs
Labour Party president Jill Day says running an election costs about $5 million.
Annual operating costs
Labour has annual operating costs of $1.5m to $2m to cover party expenses.
Total campaign costs
In a three-year cycle, Labour needs $11m to stay competitive.
Broadcasting allocation
Labour gets $900,000 from broadcasting allocation for election promotion.
Funding gap
Labour needs $4.1m to cover the gap between broadcasting allocation and costs.
Large donations
Labour raised $890,391 in large donations this year, far below $4.1m needed.
Green Party funding
The Greens raised $395,000 in large donations, less than Labour's $890,391.
Green Party costs
The Greens expect 2026 campaign costs to be similar to 2023's $2m plus $2m for running expenses.
Donation trends
National and ACT received more than $1 million in large donations from two wealthy individuals.
Donation disparity
Labour has more donors than National but smaller average donations per person.
Small donations
Labour received 53,499 donations of $1500 or less, compared to National's 43,481.
Donation impact
Labour's largest donation came from Murray Jones' estate, almost $220,000.
Donation access
Donors report getting access to politicians through events and dinners.
Influence concerns
43% of New Zealanders think donors exert undue influence on politicians.
Donation system
The current system allows unlimited donations, creating funding disparities between parties.
Policy changes
Labour plans to increase transparency on where money for political advertising comes from.
At a glance
Labour raised $890,391 in large donations this year, far below the $4.1m needed to cover its election campaign costs.
