Dated: 26 November 2008

Decision Number: 2008-46

Subject:   Flyer distributed by Nicky Wagner MP at a meet the candidates meeting in August 2008 at the George Hotel in Christchurch. The flyer contains six slides with the sixth slide captioned “Time for a change!” and containing the words and graphics:

• National
• Wagner

The flyer does not contain a promoter statement.

Findings and Determination: 

Flyer distributed by Nicky Wagner MP did not contain a promoter statement and its publication does not appear to have been authorised in writing by the financial agent for the National Party. The offence will be reported to the Police.

Contravention of sections 63(2)(a) and 65(1)(b) of the Electoral Finance Act 2007 by failure to display a promoter statement, and contravention of 65(1)(a) by failure to obtain written authorisation from the party financial agent, amounting to offences under sections 63(4) and 65(4) of the Act. The facts will be reported to the Police in accordance with section 70.

The Electoral Commission made no determination about whether any contravention of section 63(2)(b) occurred.

This headnote does not form part of the decision available under Downloads, at right.