Celebs let cash do the talking as donations revealed
NEIL Finn didn’t want Chloe Swarbrick to dream her political career was over after an encouraging attempt at the Auckland mayoralty.
So, the multi-millionaire musician gave then-Green candidate $3000 ahead of the General Election last year.
Finn was one of many prominent Kiwis to cough up the cash for their preferred political candidates, which have just been released by the Electoral Commission.
Returns provided by candidates reveal donations of $1500 or more, along with their individual expenses.
Hollywood movie star Cliff Curtis boosted Maori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell’s by $10,000 although Flavell was quick to clarify that he wouldn’t let Curtis’ donation muddy his moviewatching choices.
‘‘Either way I would have supported him. His stories are great, and he does this nation proud.’’
Tipene Funerals – which features in the new reality TV show The Casketeers – donated $17,400 to Peeni Henare and Vodafone Warriors general manager Dave Curran still can’t get a win over the line, giving $4000 to Hone Harawira, of the obsolete Mana Party.
Artist Dick Frizzell is also listed for giving Labour’s Napier MP Stuart Nash $2000.
He is not the only one who thought Labour was a work of art. Sculptor Greer Twiss backed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her bid for the Mt Albert electorate with $4100 while Stanley Palmer with $8400, Karl Maughan with $15,700, John Reynolds with $3200, and Michael Smitter with $6200 also chipped in.
Parnell arts patron Fran Wyborn provided $15,000 to National’s Auckland Central candidate Nikki Kaye. Nelson photographer Jose Cano’s help was worth $7000 to Nelson Green candidate Matt Lawrey, whose return described Cano’s contribution as ‘‘office rent free’’.
His stories are great, and he does this nation proud.’ TE URUROA FLAVELL ON CLIFF CURTIS