Two people charged in connection with New Zealand First Foundation donations have won the right to keep their names secret for now.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters campaigning at Orewa Community Centre in Auckland on 25 September. Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
The Serious Fraud Office has charged two people with obtaining by deception after its investigation into the foundation and its handling of donations.
They're accused of using a "fraudulent device, trick or stratagem" to secure more than $700,000 that was then used to pay expenses for the New Zealand First party.
Photo: Supplied / Ministry of Justice
Yesterday, four media companies including RNZ challenged an interim suppression order protecting the identities of both accused.
RNZ, Stuff, NZME and TVNZ argued there was compelling public interest in knowing the identity of the pair given the election is just around the corner.
"We want the voting public in New Zealand to have as much information as they can, as the courts will permit, before they exercise their right to vote," lawyer Robert Stewart said at Waitakere District Court yesterday.
In a decision released today, Judge Peter Winter ruled the suppression order should remain in place until their next court appearance later this month.