New Zealand 2025 Political Donations: National Dominates as ACT Overtakes Labour
The National Party has maintained its fundraising dominance in New Zealand’s 2025 political donation returns, amassing $6.27 million—more than double any other party—while the ACT Party has surged past Labour to claim second place, according to data released today by the Electoral Commission.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Donation Returns
- National leads by a wide margin: $6,275,234.46 in total donations, with the largest single contribution of $210,000 from late Nelson philanthropist Robert Wares.
- ACT overtakes Labour: ACT received $2,445,225.79, surpassing Labour’s $2,403,241.93, marking the first time since 2023 that Labour has not held the second position.
- Green Party maintains strong support: The Greens secured $1,848,678.65, with entrepreneur Robert Morgan contributing the largest single donation of $132,000.
- Donor transparency increases: New rules requiring disclosure of donations over $5,000 (reduced from $15,000) have increased transparency in political financing.
- Smaller parties trail significantly: NZ First received $1,360,272.56, while parties like Te Pāti Māori, Animal Justice, and Vision New Zealand raised under $200,000 each.
Full Breakdown of 2025 Political Donations
| Party | Total Donations (2025) | Largest Single Donation | Key Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Party | $6,275,234.46 | $210,000 | Robert Wares (philanthropist), Brian Cartmell (tech entrepreneur) |
| ACT Party | $2,445,225.79 | $200,000 | Brian Cartmell (tech entrepreneur) |
| Labour Party | $2,403,241.93 | $125,000 | Mills Family Trust (Phillip Mills, founder of Les Mills) |
| Green Party | $1,848,678.65 | $132,000 | Robert Morgan (entrepreneur), Phillip Mills (personal donation) |
| NZ First | $1,360,272.56 | $204,999 | Brian Cartmell (tech entrepreneur) |
| Te Pāti Māori | $141,986.50 | $60,000 | John Tamihere (party president) |
| Opportunity Party | $179,401.24 | Not disclosed (2025 returns) | Brian Cartmell (reported separately for 2026) |
| Animal Justice Party | $12,707.95 | Not specified | N/A |
Note: Donations over $5,000 must now be disclosed, down from $15,000 in previous years. The threshold increased to $6,000 on January 1, 2026, but 2026 returns will reflect this change.
Notable Donors and Their Influence
Several high-profile donors have shaped the 2025 fundraising landscape, with tech entrepreneur Brian Cartmell emerging as a significant player across multiple parties:
- Cartmell donated $200,000 to ACT, $201,993.91 to National, and $204,999 to NZ First. Earlier in 2026, he contributed $100,000 to the Opportunity Party, though this was not included in the 2025 returns.
- The Mills Family Trust, led by Phillip Mills (founder of Les Mills), was Labour’s top donor with a $125,000 contribution. Mills also donated personally to Labour and the Greens.
- Robert Wares, a late Nelson philanthropist, made the largest single donation to any party in 2025 with $210,000 to National.
- Robert Morgan, an entrepreneur, provided the Greens’ largest donation of $132,000.
These contributions reflect broader trends in New Zealand’s political financing, where corporate and high-net-worth individuals play a pivotal role in party funding.
New Rules Increase Donor Transparency
Since 2023, New Zealand’s political donation disclosure rules have become stricter, requiring parties to report the names of donors contributing over $5,000 (previously $15,000). This change, implemented to enhance transparency, has led to a more detailed public record of political financing.
As of January 1, 2026, the disclosure threshold increased to $6,000, though the 2025 returns reflect the lower threshold. The next set of returns, due in 2027, will include donations made under the new $6,000 rule.
Electoral Commission data shows that these reforms have already had an impact, with parties now required to file their annual returns by April 30 of each year.
How 2025 Compares to Previous Years
National’s 2025 total of $6.27 million represents a significant increase from the $4.9 million reported in 2024, adding another $1.3 million to an already dominant position. In contrast, Labour’s fundraising has remained relatively flat, while ACT has shown steady growth, aligning with its rising poll numbers since the 2023 election.
The Greens, despite not being in government, maintained strong donor support, reflecting their continued influence in New Zealand’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Electoral Commission require donor disclosure?
The Electoral Commission enforces donor disclosure to ensure transparency in political financing, preventing undue influence and maintaining public trust in the democratic process. The thresholds were lowered in 2023 to capture a broader range of contributions.
Can individuals donate anonymously to New Zealand political parties?
No. Since 2023, any donation over $5,000 (or $6,000 as of 2026) must be publicly disclosed, including the donor’s name. Anonymous donations below these thresholds are permitted but not required to be reported.
How do political parties use donation data?
Parties analyze donation data to identify key supporters, tailor fundraising strategies, and assess potential policy influence. High-value donors often receive direct engagement, such as invitations to events or policy discussions.
What happens if a party exceeds donation limits?
New Zealand has no strict legal limits on individual donations to parties, but excessive or suspicious contributions can trigger investigations by the Electoral Commission. Parties must also report loans and gifts over $1,000.
What to Watch in 2026 and Beyond
As New Zealand heads toward the next general election, political donations will remain a critical factor in party strategies. Key trends to monitor include:
- ACT’s fundraising momentum: Will ACT continue to attract high-value donors as it consolidates its position as a major opposition party?
- Labour’s donor base: Can Labour rebuild its fundraising after being overtaken by ACT, or will it rely on grassroots support?
- National’s dominance: Will National maintain its fundraising lead, or will increased scrutiny on large donations impact its ability to secure major contributions?
- Donor transparency: With the $6,000 threshold now in effect, will 2026 returns reveal even more detailed insights into political financing?
The 2025 donation returns provide a snapshot of New Zealand’s political landscape, but the story of who funds our democracy is far from over.