Labour after more of election pot

Labour wants more than National for election broadcasting money and free airtime in a change from the equal allocation over the past two elections.

Party general secretary Mike Smith told the Electoral Commission yesterday that the criteria used under law to decide allocations show Labour should get about 15 per cent more than National.

In the 1999 and 2002 elections both parties got an equal amount, but in 1996 National got $540,000 compared with Labour's 436,000.

Mr Smith also argued Labour should get 18 minutes for opening and 8 minutes for closing addresses, while National should get only 12 minutes for opening and 5 minutes for closing.

But National's general manager, Steven Joyce, told the commission both parties should be treated equally. "Any other allocation will restrict the ability of voters to fairly assess the merits of the two competing major parties."

The Government has boosted the pool of money by 54.3 per cent to $3.212 million - the first rise in 15 years. One hundred and two minutes of free airtime on each of TVNZ and National Radio for opening and closing addresses are also up for grabs.

More than 20 political parties are vying for a share.

Mr Joyce said the two major parties should get at least two-thirds or 66 per cent this year to give them a chance to properly explain their policies. Labour and National should also get more of the free airtime, with at least 15 minutes per party for opening addresses and six minutes each for closings.

The Green Party supported Labour, arguing in its submission that given National's performance in relation to Labour it should now be ranked in a second category between Labour and significant third parties.

NZ First also submitted the system should change because it failed to take into account the realities of MMP. It also objected to the appointment of a Government and opposition representative to the commission. Party president Doug Woolerton said Parliament was made up like that any longer.

Act told the commission every registered party should get the same or there should be just two funding categories - parties able to seriously suggest enough support to get into Parliament and all the others.

Broadcasting money in 2002

* National and Labour $615,000 each.

* Act, NZ First, Greens $166,300 each.

* Alliance $100,000

* United Future, Christian Heritage $75,000 each

* Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis, Outdoor Recreation $25,000 each

* Four smaller parties $12,500 each.

TOTAL $2.08 million