Labour is defending "entirely standard" tickets to ask Jacinda Ardern "whatever you'd like" while rich-listers have donated almost a million dollars to ACT as parties prepare for the 2023 election.
In an email sent to supporters, Labour Party general-secretary Rob Salmond announced the launch of Labour's Zoom fundraising series for 2022 with Prime Minister Ardern confirmed as the first guest appearance.
"You'll have a chance to ask her about whatever you'd like and, if past events are any indication, I'm sure we'll get a fascinating mix of policy questions, political questions, and non-political questions," the email reads.
"Tickets are only $25, and all proceeds from the evening go towards Labour's upcoming campaigns."
Salmond told Newshub it's not unusual.
"Lower-cost fundraising events - where party supporters enjoy a chat with politicians - are entirely standard for many political parties, and have happened for decades."
In June last year, Labour sold tickets costing more than $2000 to attend a 'business conference' with Ardern. And in 2018, Finance Minister Grant Robertson took part in a fundraising dinner where attendees paid $600.
Political parties have for years battled with the perception that these types of events are tantamount to luring donations in exchange for access to policymakers.
In 2014 Newshub revealed National's 'Cabinet Club' meetings at which attendees paid thousands of dollars to meet then-Prime Minister John Key and other ministers. At the time Labour and the Greens were critical, accusing National of cash for access.
Labour then launched an exclusive soirée of its own in 2017 - The President's Club, for those who donated big bucks.
Salmond confirmed it has been axed.
"The President's Club no longer exists - we reviewed it last year and decided not to continue with it."
ACT leader David Seymour on Twitter quipped about Labour's $25 offer to ask Ardern questions.
"Based on the quality of answers we get from her in Parliament, this is not good value."
ACT is also collecting cash for an election battle in 2023, with it set to declare $850,000 of donations from Kiwi rich-listers, including billionaire Graeme Hart who has donated $100,000 to the party.
In an email to supporters, ACT said Hart was one of 10 wealthy Kiwis who have made reportable donations this month. Others included Grant Baker of 42 Below Vodka success, billionaire Stephen Jennings, and Sleepyhead co-director Craig Turner.
"Altogether we have raised nearly one million dollars this month. That is almost as much as we raised in all of 2021, but it is just our beginning," ACT's email reads.
Political parties must declare the names of donors who give more than $15,000 to a party in a year. The donation must be declared within 10 working days if it is more than $30,000.
The prospect of a centre-right administration is looking more realistic, with National up 7 points to 39 percent in the latest poll while Labour has dropped to 37 percent.
The National Party will be "consistently fundraising throughout the year to help get our message out to New Zealanders", a spokesperson told Newshub.
"We will continue to fundraise online, through events, and at dinners throughout 2022/23, and expect this to increase going into the 2023 election campaign."
The spokesperson said he was not aware of any recent large donations to declare that trip the 10-day disclosure threshold under the Electoral Act.
