Act covers up 'illegal' billboards

WELLINGTON - The Act Party is covering up part of its billboards after the Chief Electoral Office said it had breached election campaign rules.

The billboards use the National Party's logo and urge voters to give National their electorate vote but Act their party vote. National complained about the displays.
Chief Electoral Officer David Henry said yesterday that the advertising was illegal under the Electoral Act. If convicted, Act could face a fine of up to $3000.

However, he was not taking further action as Act had given an undertaking that it would cover up that part of the advertising that referred to the National Party.

Mr Henry said the section of the advertisement relating to Act contained the statement, as required under the Electoral Act, that it was authorised by the secretary of the Act Party.

But the other section carried no authorisation from the National Party or its candidates.

The billboards were placed at nine sites around the country.

Act is in a battle for survival as it has no safe electorate seat.

- NZPA