ACT has banked a rush of donations within the last 20 days, doubling its campaign year contributions Photo: RNZ
By Farah Hancock of RNZ

The ACT Party has received $600,000 in new donations in the last 20 days, more than doubling its tally in election year so far to $1.2m raised.

The donations surge puts ACT well ahead of its coalition partners National ($728,071), and NZ First ($500,000).

Opposition parties have far lower totals. Labour has raised $182,333 to date, roughly one seventh of ACT's total.

The Green Party has $93,015 and Te Pāti Māori $40,000, which is a single donation from party president John Tamihere.

Raising more than opposition parties is Opportunity, which has so far received $240,500.

These totals only include large donations of more than $20,000, which must be declared publicly within 20 days of receipt in election years.

Image: Farah Hancock/RNZ

Information on donations less than $20,000 will be made public in 2027 when parties are required to submit a full record of donations.

ACT's latest donors

Familiar names are included in the latest release of donor information, including Dame Jenny Gibbs, Troy Bowker, Sir Peter Vela and David Richwhite. Some of these donors have long histories supporting the party.

Long-time ACT supporter Dame Jenny Gibbs donated $50,000 to the party her former husband helped found. Over a number of years she's donated over $900,000 to ACT.

Investor Troy Bowker also donated, giving $50,000 to ACT. He's also given $25,000 to NZ First this year. Bowker has recently made headlines after buying the Petone building a Stuff printing press is housed in.

Other donors include Craig and Shayne Greenlees, Fran Wyborn and Gary Lane, who have all given in the past. The largest donation came from John Harrison, a first time donor.

To date there have been no donations from the Rank Group and its director Graeme Hart. Last election ACT received $200,000 from that entity.

There are no limits on how much a person or entity can donate to political parties.

Anonymous donations are limited to $1500 and overseas donations are capped at $50.