Glenn: I'll donate $100m no matter who wins election

New Zealand businessman Owen Glenn says he plans to donate $100 million to youth causes. Photo / Richard Robinson

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Owen Glenn says his commitment to donate $100 million to New Zealand youth is not contingent on National and Act winning the November 26 general election.

Glenn said on TV3's The Nation over the weekend that he would make a donation but said today that his commitment was not contingent on the two parties winning the election, as was suggested by the programme.

"My commitment to this country is not politically motivated, so regardless of who governs New Zealand after November's election, once my business is sold, which I anticipate will be during October, I will look to announce more on my plans," Mr Glenn said.

He said he was not trying to influence the outcome of the election through the announcement.

"I happen to believe that currently a government involving both National and Act is best situated to move New Zealand forward and to leverage the opportunity I intend to create through this donation," he said.

"That's my personal opinion. We live in a democracy and people should vote for the party they feel will help New Zealand the most," he said.

Mr Glenn, who founded the international logistics business Vanguard, said he intended to hold a news conference in October to announce more details about his donation and the areas in which it will be spent.