Green Party Introduces Bills to Cap Political Donations

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand introduced two members' bills designed to reduce the influence of corporate interests and wealthy donors in government. The Electoral (Donations) Amendment Bill proposes capping individual and candidate donations at $30,000 per election cycle while banning contributions from companies, trusts, and unions. To increase transparency, the bill seeks to lower the public disclosure threshold for donors from $6,000 to $1,000 annually.

Simultaneously, the Regulation of Lobbying Bill proposes the creation of an independent Lobbying Integrity Commission. This body would manage a public register of professional lobbyists, who would be required to report their activities every four months. The bill also mandates stand-down periods before former officials can become lobbyists: two years for ministers and one year for other MPs, ministerial staff, and senior public servants.

Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick argue these measures are necessary to prevent powerful corporations from buying government influence. The proposals mirror several elements of the Opportunity Party's Clean up Politics policy announced in August, though the parties differ on the specific length of the ministerial stand-down period.