The Green Party has announced a plan to cap political donations, block companies from giving money to parties and create a public register of professional lobbyists.
The proposed changes, announced today, would be made through two bills that the party says would “get big money and influence out of politics”.
Under the changes, individuals would only be able to give a maximum of $30,000 to a party and its candidates in an election cycle.
Only individuals could donate, with companies, trusts, and other organisations blocked.
Parties would be required to publish the names and postcodes of anyone donating over $1000, down from $6000.
"Our democracy should work for everyone, not just the wealthy few,” Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said about donations.
“Right now, a handful of very rich and powerful people and corporations can buy access and influence the government for their benefit."
"This election we've already seen some of the wealthiest people in the country donating over $100,000 to parties in Government. To put this into perspective, a $200,000 donation from the richest person in the country is the same share of their wealth as $2.76 from someone with the average level of wealth," Davidson said.
Meanwhile, the Greens' lobbying changes would create a register for professional lobbyists, requiring them to report who they lobbied and what they lobbied for every four months.
Ministers would have a two-year stand-down period before they can lobby, while other MPs, ministerial staff, and senior public servants would have to wait one year.
An independent Lobbying Integrity Commission would run the register, write the code of conduct, and enforce the rules.
"While lobbying is legal and a part of politics, the problem is that almost none of it is on the record," co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said.
TVNZ has extensive coverage of the election campaign. (Source: TVNZ)
She said the laws would let the public know who politicians were listening to.
"Real estate agents, lawyers and electricians all have to meet professional standards, and lobbyists should too.
"None of this will affect ordinary people talking to their MP. Submissions, petitions, union bargaining and Treaty settlement negotiations remain unchanged."
The Opportunity Party also introduced a similar policy to the Greens, promising to cap donations at $30,000, ban organisations, and create a register for lobbyists.
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