Election ads need promoter statements even outside campaign spending period

Summarised by Centrist

Election advertisements must carry a promoter statement at all times, not only during the three-month regulated election period.

The statement must clearly identify the person or organisation responsible and provide contact details. Publishing an election advertisement without one can result in a fine of up to $40,000.

An election advertisement is material that can reasonably be regarded as encouraging voters to support or oppose a candidate, party or type of candidate or party. The definition covers newspapers, television, leaflets, billboards and paid online content.

Editorial reporting and unpaid opinion pieces published by media are excluded. Individuals expressing their own political views online are also generally exempt unless the content is paid for or they claim to represent a political party.

The regulated period runs from August 7 to November 6. During that time, electorate candidates may spend up to $36,000. Registered parties contesting the party vote may spend $1.503 million, plus $36,000 for each electorate candidate.

Registered third-party promoters may spend up to $424,000, while unregistered promoters are limited to $17,000.

The same rules apply to online advertising. Media companies are not required to give parties equal advertising time.

Local councils set rules for election signs. Signs may be up to three square metres during the nine weeks before election day. All election advertising must be removed by midnight on November 6.

Read more at RNZ

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