Share of election broadcast money announced

Political parties have been allocated their share of $3.2 million of advertising funds and time for political broadcasts on radio and television in the lead-up to the general election.

Most parties are disatisfied with the division of the cash.


The Electoral Commission has today released its decisions which included an allocation of $1.1m and 18 minutes broadcast time -- for opening and closing addresses -- to the Labour Party.

The National Party is getting $900,000 and the same amount of time as Labour for opening and closing addresses on TVNZ and National Radio.

ACT, the Greens, New Zealand First and United Future each get $200,000 and 10 minutes broadcast time.

The Maori Party gets $125,000 and seven minutes broadcast time.

The Progressive Party gets $75,000 and seven minutes broadcast time.

The Alliance, Christian Heritage, Destiny NZ and Libertarianz -- which are not represented in Parliament -- get $20,000 and one minute for an opening address.

The 99 MP Party, Beneficiaries Party, Democrats, National Front, New Zealand F.R.P.P., Patriot Party, Republic Aoteroa New Zealand Party, The Republic of New Zealand each get $10,000 and one minute's broadcasting time for an opening address. Only the Democrats, New Zealand F.R.P.P. and the 99 MP Party are registered with the Electoral Commission.


Labour Party president Mike Williams said Labour in its submission sought to create a formula from what was in the Broadcasting Act based on the number of MPs, polling, and whether a party was putting up candidates in every election.


"We think that this allocation pretty well reflects that formula and is well justified by what is in the Act," he said.


National Party general manager Steven Joyce thought the allocation unjustified. "We are disappointed because it is unfair," he said.


ACT leader Rodney Hide said the allocation was "a rort" and a "jack-up between the Labour-National two party club".


- NZPA