Letter sent to Audrey Young by Helena Catt

Below is the text of a letter sent to Herald political editor Audrey Young by Helena Catt, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission

Dear Audrey

At its meeting today the Commissioners considered the four items that you referred to us as having breached the Electoral Finance Act because of an absence of a promoter statement.

In relation to the ACT booklet 'Not your typical party'. We are seeking a legal opinion on whether distribution to journalists at a party conference is a form of publication. In this context are journalists members of the public? Commissioners agree that it is an election advertisement but it only needs a promoter statement when it is published.

In relation to the Labour booklet 'We're making a difference' commissioners agreed that this should have a promoter statement.

In relation to the National Party discussion document 'A Blue Green Vision for New Zealand' commissioners did not believe that this was an election advertisement.

In relation to the Labour party balloon a decision was deferred awaiting Crown Law opinions.

All party secretaries will be sent a copy of these decisions with a reminder that a promoter statement is needed on every party election advertisement. The breach relating to the Labour Party will not be referred to the police if they comply with the warning and include a promoter statement on all subsequent instances that this booklet is published.

Yours sincerely
Helena Catt
Chief Executive