Cash for Candidates: How the biggest donors spent $52m

Our biggest electoral donors: Kim Dotcom, Gareth Morgan and Colin Craig. (Image: NZME)
Andy Fyers
Murray Jones
Welcome to our Cash for Candidates series, where BusinessDesk's investigations unit follows the money and runs the numbers on major election donors since 1996. More than $52 million has been donated to political parties since 1996 by major donors whose contributions are above the threshold for public declaration.A BusinessDesk analysis of donations found they have come from 538 donors from individuals, businesses, trusts and non-profit organisations.The average donation is about $47,000.Biggest donorsThe three biggest donors are a...

More Politics

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development
Policy

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development

The Government said it was releasing three discussion documents on the changes.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025
Calls for rail workforce plan
Infrastructure

Calls for rail workforce plan

More than one in four workers are expected to retire in the next decade.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025
Peters reshapes KiwiRail board with chair, deputy appointments
Infrastructure

Peters reshapes KiwiRail board with chair, deputy appointments

Former Mainfreight and NZ Post director Sue Tindal will chair the rail company.

Oliver Lewis 28 May 2025
NZTA appears to deviate from four-lane highway directive
Policy

NZTA appears to deviate from four-lane highway directive

NZTA proposes reduced scope highway designs, infuriating Horowhenua locals. 

Oliver Lewis 28 May 2025