PM pours tea to raise money for National

Photo / Babiche Martens

The National Party has boosted its fundraising efforts for election year, offering the chance of morning tea with the Prime Minister as an incentive for people to donate to its campaign fund.

The party has begun its fundraising drive for next year's campaign through its "president's appeal" on its website. It includes the chance for two people to be "selected" for morning tea with Prime Minister John Key and party president Peter Goodfellow - although the offer is worded to say the morning tea is a "special thank you" for providing contact details, rather than for a donation.

Those who donate will also get a thank-you card from the Prime Minister and Mr Goodfellow.

The page sets out rules for donating, saying donors can give up to $10,000 a year without being publicly identified. A video clip features Mr Key saying the appeal is an opportunity for the party to reach out to supporters and ask them to make a donation to the campaign.

He says the Government has faced challenges over its term, including the global recession, the collapse of finance companies and the Canterbury earthquake.

But, he says, he believes it has met its promises. "So we are asking you to donate to our appeal to make sure National can be returned and we can carry on that work."

Labour also has a link for donations on its site, although no similar incentives are offered. The page allowing donations via credit card does not mention the rules regarding public disclosure.

Party leaders are rarely openly involved in soliciting donations for their parties from specific donors, although most speak at fundraising events.