The questions over New Zealand First’s funding are a reason for an overhaul of electoral law.
They are not an excuse to introduce public funding of political parties.
A party needs only 500 members to register. That is a very small number for the power a party can wield should it get into government or even parliament.
Participatory democracy requires active involvement and engagement of members and supporters. Fundraising is part of that engagement and involvement.
If parties can persuade enough members and supporters to fund them, they don’t need taxpayer support.
If parties can’t persuade enough members and supporters to fund them, they don’t deserve it.
Homepaddock 