The National Party is facing more accusations of systematic fundraising like it does with its Cabinet Clubs.
This time it's through a trust called the National Foundation, which targets large donations from deceased estates.
The party's home, National House, is the core asset of the foundation.
"The foundation is largely for people who want to give larger amounts, perhaps when they pass away," says National Party President Peter Goodfellow.
There's even a sample codicil for wannabe donors to change their wills with ease.
Donations that go into the trust are invested. Profits are spent on the party and campaigning.
National says the donations are declared and within the rules.
The trust was set up last year, so apart from the $2 million National House, the coffers are still relatively dry.
"Tens or low hundreds – not $1 million," says Mr Goodfellow.
Prime Ministers like Keith Holyoake have lived at National House. So have ministers, including New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. He says the foundation is Cabinet Club all over again.
It's the latest target in the scrap over donations.
"Last week the hypocrisy from Labour was galling," says Prime Minister John Key.
He's pointing to the money Labour makes from the unions. They only pay up in election years - $117,000 in 2008 and $105,000 in 2011.
"The unions are writing Labour's industrial relations and education policy," says Mr Key. "They're putting millions of dollars into them and they're picking their leader. Apparently that's all okay."
"If what you're trying to say is this is some kind of union hijack then I think you're barking up the wrong tree," says Labour leader David Cunliffe, who admits the unions do have a say on policy.
"Yes, I would say our affiliate members have some influence."
Mr Key believes the only reason the Opposition is attacking National over donations is because they're not as good at fundraising, and want state-funded political campaigns.
Donations are getting under the skin on both sides of Parliament, with each accusing the other of being the worst offender.
3 News
source: newshub archive
