Independent MP Jami-Lee Ross is forcing MPs to vote this evening on whether to ban overseas political donations in local government elections.
Ex-National MP Jami-Lee Ross makes his first public appearance since receiving treatment for mental health issues. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
He is putting up three proposed amendments to the Local Electoral Matters Bill, which is up for debate tonight.
They include capping overseas donations at $1500, a full legislative ban, or a restriction, so that only New Zealanders who are enrolled to vote can make donations.
Mr Ross said there were zero restrictions on candidates receiving overseas donations in local government elections.
Mr Ross said political parties representing a majority in parliament wanted to ban overseas donations.
"New Zealanders do not want our electoral system to be compromised by overseas donations and Kiwis don't want our democracy to be hijacked by the threat of foreign influence.
"The amendments I have put up to the Local Electoral Matters Bill would see Parliament vote on this important issue. Our laws are far too loose and open to abuse.
"I support banning overseas donations at all tiers of our democracy."
Mr Ross said there were serious flaws in the Local Electoral Act.
"The restrictions that exist for parliamentary elections under the Electoral Act 1993 are not mirrored in local government legislation.
"We have an opportunity this week to put in place greater restrictions on overseas donations, and we should be doing that."
National leader Simon Bridges indicated he might support a ban on foreign political donations yesterday.