The Coalition for Open Government was originally formed in 1979 and played a leading role in achieving New Zealand’s Official Information Act (1982). The Coalition re-formed in 2007, to work for a strong new election finance law. The 2007 Coalition had the blessing of the original group and included one member from it.
During 2007, the Coalition monitored the legislation process, gave a detailed submission on the Electoral Finance Bill and published newsletters and email updates to mobilise public support for a better law.
With the passing of the Electoral Finance Act 2007, the Coalition is no longer active. This site will be retained as a record of our work.
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The group’s patrons are Lloyd Geering, Patricia Grace, Anton Oliver and Paul Harris.
Lloyd Geering ONZ PCNZM CBE is Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, where he taught for many years and was foundation professor in the Department.
Patricia Grace is an award-winning writer of novels, short stories, and children’s books. She was awarded the Queen’s Service Order in 1988.
Anton Oliver is an All Black and Highlanders rugby player, from Dunedin.
Dr Paul Harris is a former Chief Executive of New Zealand’s Electoral Commission.
Members of the re-formed Coalition For Open Government in 2007 include Shane Cave, Shaunnagh Dorsett, Graeme Edgeler, Rachael Ennor, Kevin Hackwell, Nicky Hager, Sam Huggard and Steven Price.
Q and A – Background to the Coalition for Open Government
Questions and answers about the Coalition are below, or you can download a Word document here (52kb).
What is the connection between this Coalition for Open Government and the original Coalition for Open Government?
The original Coalition for Open Government was established in 1979 to oppose the National Development Bill, and was a major force in the campaign that secured the Official Information Act. The original Coalition for Open Government core group has supported the formation of a new Coalition for Open Government focussed on the goal of securing the best possible election finance reform. One member of the original core group – Kevin Hackwell – is part of the new group.
Who is the new Coalition for Open Government?
The group is made up of people with a shared interest in election finance reform. The group is non-partisan. Its Patrons are Emeritus Professor Lloyd Geering ONZ, author Patricia Grace QSO, All Black Anton Oliver and former Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission Paul Harris.
Why is the group needed?
We believe that election finance laws should not be designed and decided by the politicians and parties that they are intended to control. The laws should be the result of wide debate and public input. They need to be trusted by the public. We see a role for a group like the Coalition for Open Government to develop independent proposals, scrutinise the Government’s proposals and help inform and encourage members of the public to play a part in the decision-making process.
What is the group’s attitude to the Government’s election finance plans?
We will support good policies and work to change policies with which we disagree. We intend to work with politicians from all parties to achieve the best possible election finance laws.
What countries have policies that New Zealand can use as a model?
Canada has strict new rules requiring all donors giving above $20 to be recorded by the party and all donations over $200 to be declared. The Coalition has adopted this model in its initial Key Proposals. Britain has much stricter rules than New Zealand on what election-related spending must be declared by parties and the time period before an election covered by spending caps. We believe this is a useful model for New Zealand as well. Also, Canada introduced a cap on private donations to political parties in January this year. This approach has also been adopted. Most countries have greater transparency of political donations than New Zealand.
