NZ First plans to review the way it handles donations. The move follows news the Serious Fraud Office is investigating the NZ First Foundation, after the Electoral Commission concluded donations to it were not properly declared.
The Commission began looking into its funding structure late last year after reports by RNZ and Stuff.
In a statement, the Commission says it believes some donations to the Foundation should have been treated as party donations for New Zealand First and the donations were not properly passed on to the party or disclosed as required by law.
The Commission referred the matter to the police and the police have referred it on to the SFO.
Electoral law expert Professor Andrew Geddis explains what lead to it.
In a statement Winston Peters confirmed NZ First will be reviewing its arrangements for party donations.
The NZ First leader says he advised the party last week to refer the matter to the police and it agreed to do so.
He says this does not imply any impropriety but is intended to ensure the party as with all parties have robust arrangements.
