Progressive numbers claim disputed

By HELEN TUNNAH

Smaller parties have disputed Jim Anderton's claim that his Progressive Coalition's 2000-plus membership ranks it among the top three parties in the country.

Labour and National are by far the largest parties, with an estimated 14,000 and 26,000 members respectively.

Green Party co-leader Rod Donald told the Herald it had 3370 members.

New Zealand First does not reveal membership numbers, but is understood to have told the Electoral Commission when asking for broadcasting funding that it had more members than the Greens.

President Doug Woolerton said New Zealand First had "a damn sight more" members than Mr Anderton's party.

Act also does not say how many members it has, but received the same broadcasting money as the Greens and NZ First.

The size of Mr Anderton's former party, the Alliance, is not known. But one of the new parties contesting the election, Outdoor Recreation NZ, topped 3000 members last week.

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/election

Election links