Info
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
g . Other (specify)
Comments: Free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space is not allocated to political parties. For the purpose of a general election (or by-election), broadcasters may broadcast an election programme only if they are paid (or for a fee pertaining to by-elections). The money for election programme broadcasting must come from the money allocated to a party or group of political parties by the Electoral Commission under section 79.
Source: Broadcasting Act 1989, Part 6, Art. 70, 79:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/whole.html?search=ts_act_broadcasting_resel (2017);
Verified: 2024/09/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: TVNZ Leaders' Debates
Source: Elections New Zealand Official Website: https://www.elections.nz/guidance-and-rules/for-parties/about-the-broadcasting-allocation/
Verified: 2024/09/03
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: The election period in which election programmes may be broadcast ends the day preceding polling day. It is considered a criminal offense to electioneer on polling day.
election period, in relation to an election, means the period—
(a)
beginning with writ day; and
(b)
ending with the close of the day preceding polling day
Source: Broadcasting Act 1989 Part 6 (69):
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/whole.html?search=ts_act_broadcasting_resel (2017) ;
https://elections.nz/guidance-and-rules/for-candidates/candidate-handbook/advertising-and-campaigning/
Verified: 2024/09/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For the 2020 election, the maximum a political party can spend on election advertising is $1,169,000 (including GST), plus $27,500 (including GST) per electorate contested by the party. It is an offense to spend over the limit during the regulated period. Spending limits change for each election.
Source: https://www.parliament.nz/mi/visit-and-learn/parliament-in-election-year/limits-on-election-related-spending-begin/
Verified: 2020/10/14
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
