Electoral Commission decisions released
Electoral Commission decision 2009-31, The New Zealand Pacific Party annual donation return
The New Zealand Pacific Party annual donation return – a nil return – was accompanied by a qualified audit report. The report stated the auditor identified major weaknesses in recording donor information in the party records, and indicated that records had not been maintained of various matters that are required to be included in donation returns.
Electoral Commission decision 2009-32, Direct Democracy Party 2008 donation return
The Direct Democracy Party 2008 annual donation return has not yet been received by the Electoral Commission. The return must be filed by 30 April 2009. This date was published on the Elections New Zealand website.
Electoral Commission decision 2009-33, The Republic of New Zealand Party 2008 donation return
A complete 2008 annual donation return for The Republic of New Zealand Party has not been received by the Electoral Commission. The return must be filed by 30 April 2009. This date was published on the Elections New Zealand website.
Electoral Commission decision 2009-34, The Maori Party received overseas donation exceeding $1,000
The Maori Party was given the use of a house by an overseas person under an informal arrangement at no cost. The party commenced renting the house out in 2007 but did not include the value of the benefit of the house in its 2007 annual return of donations. In 2008 the party returned all the rent to the owner, in three lump sums, as the owner was an overseas person.
Electoral Commission decision 2009-35, Contributions to a donation - Road Transport Trust
The Road Transport Trust made various donations to political parties in 2008, which were included in the parties’ donation returns. The funds were collected by the Trust to make donations to political parties and undertake other campaign activities.
Electoral Commission decision 2009-36, National Party video not included in election expenses return
A video about National Party Asian candidates was displayed on YouTube along with the statement: Authorised by M Oldershaw, 276a Fergusson Dr, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt. The video was not included in the National Party election expenses return.