The New Zealand First party has been in the news recently following reports the New Zealand First Foundation allegedly channeled donations through to the political party. Party leader Winston Peters has maintained the legality of the process; however Andrew Geddis, a law professor at Otago University, says whether that is legal or not – there needs to be a discussion around whether it should be legal. Andrew studied in the US and, during that time, became interested in the relationship between money and politics. When he returned to Aotearoa, he made this one of his central areas of research, looking at electoral law generally and how those laws govern how money can be used to influence elections. Lillian Hanly spoke to Geddis about what is happening with NZ First.
Andrew Geddis is a Professor of Law at Otago University. He is an expert in electoral law.
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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guest and not necessarily the views of The Big Q.Â
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