We all like to think that, as democratic voters, we have an equal say in influencing politicians and policy – but some of our wealthiest New Zealanders potentially have a bigger say than most.

A new series by BusinessDesk, Cash for Candidates, has revealed that since 1996, $52m has been donated to our political parties by major donors above the threshold for public declaration.

Those major donations come from just 538 individuals, businesses and non-profit organisations  

Who is donating to our political parties, which parties benefit the most, and do those donations have any political benefit for those splashing the cash?  

For a hard look at the world of political donations, Damien is joined by BusinessDesk contributor and investigative reporter, Donna Chisholm.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

We all like to think that, as democratic voters, we have an equal say in influencing politicians and policy – but some of our wealthiest New Zealanders potentially have a bigger say than most.
A new series by BusinessDesk, Cash for Candidates, has revealed that since 1996, $52m has been donated to our political parties by major donors above the threshold for public declaration.
Those major donations come from just 538 individuals, businesses and non-profit organisations  
Who is donating to our political parties, which parties benefit the most, and do those donations have any political benefit for those splashing the cash?  
For a hard look at the world of political donations, Damien is joined by BusinessDesk contributor and investigative reporter, Donna Chisholm.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Damien Venuto Producer: Shaun D Wilson Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

Keeping up to date with the news just became a little easier. Available every weekday at 5am, tune in as Chelsea Daniels chats with the journalists and newsmakers, going behind the headlines to break down what you need to know on the biggest stories of the day. 

Keeping up to date with the news just became a little easier. Available every weekday at 5am, tune in as Chelsea Daniels chats with the journalists and newsmakers, going behind the headlines to break down what you need to know on the biggest stories of the day.

Every day, The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald. Hosted by Damien Venuto

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