Andrew LittleThe Government has announced it will ban foreign donations to political parties and candidates in a bid to "protect New Zealand from foreign interference". "The risk of foreign interference in elections is a growing international phenomenon and can take many forms, including donations. It also introduces a new requirement that party secretaries and candidates must take "reasonable steps" to ensure that any donation is not from an overseas person. Little said the Electoral Commission will issue guidance on what these "reasonable steps" entail. "Limiting foreign donations to $50 will reduce undue influence from powerful vested interests and create a healthier and fairer system," the party's justice spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman said.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 02, 2019 22:41 UTC