$1500 for lunch with Jacinda

LABOUR is charging wealthy business figures $1500 a head to lunch with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at its annual conference later this month.

The event mirrors the ‘cashfor-access’ Cabinet Club scandal which engulfed the National Government in 2014.

Labour, the Greens and NZ First slammed National for selling democracy when they encouraged supporters to give donations of up to $10,000 in order to rub shoulders with senior ministers.

Although the fundraisers don’t break any rules, critics argue it gives corporate movers and shakers and lobbyists access that is not available to the public.

On the weekend beginning November 29, around 800 delegates will gather at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, for the convention.

Also on the guest list are a select number of business figures, who will spend the day at a business conference and lunch with Ardern.

Eight MPs will give presentations and all MPs are invited. Sunday News understands Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi are expected to attend.

Kirk Hope, the head of advocacy group Business NZ, will also give a speech.

As the party moves into election year, it is looking to boost its campaign war chest. Faced with a slump in business confidence, the Government is also keen to schmooze the corporate world.

But a party source pointed out Ardern has attended only a handful of fundraisers since she was elected in 2017. Between 2008 and May 2014, then Prime Minister Sir John Key took part in 53 Cabinet Clubs with bigdollar backers.

Non-governmental