Election Access Fund
Te Tomokanga — Pūtea Whakatapoko Pōtitanga
Applications Panel Meeting
Date:
27 November 2023
Time:
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Location:
Online via Zoom
Chair:
Dianne Glenn
Members:
Huhana Hickey
Robbie Watene
Jade Farrar
Leigh Deuchars, Electoral Commission
Other attendees:
Charmaine James (Secretariat)
Chantelle Griffiths (Senior Advisor – Election Access Fund)
Apologies:
None
Minutes
The meeting started with a Karakia lead by Huhana. The minutes were adopted with no
changes and approved by (Dianne/Huhana).
Update from Electoral Commission Staff
General update:
Leigh gave a general update on the progress of the EAF
Huhana expressed her view and disappointment about the lack of profiling, promotion or
clear visibility of the candidate’s campaign by political parties.
Jade agreed with Huhana and expressed his opinion that the fund should be opened to
applications sooner if not now, prompting the development of candidates to the run up to
the next election to aid development of the future disability candidates for the next election
period. He also expressed that opening in the year that election was run was a mistake and
should have been sooner.
Interpretation of the legislation vs policy changes:
Leigh acknowledged that questions and testing by the panel members played a valuable role
in testing the policy document which had been drafted in the absence of a similar fund to
base it off. Adjustments to the policy were approved by the Steering Group, which included
Whaikaha representation.
Huhana agreed with the process used to develop the EAF but again felt that the level of
educating the political parties would need to be increased in future. Both Jade and Huhana
expressed the need for the fund to be matched with a more considered effort from political
parties to profile and promote their disability candidates so they are more visible to the
public.
The panel discussed whether applicants would be comfortable identifying themselves and
sharing their stories. They also discussed what can be done to help in the next election and
if this fund could be recommended to support local body elections.
Funds granted vs returned:
The following was noted:
Funds granted and paid out to applicants - $45,349.15
Unused funds to be returned - $18,965.45
Evaluation Process:
Leigh took the panel through the Evaluation Framework document. She stated that Ministry
of Justice will be performing their Evaluation of the fund on behalf of the Minister. This
would take a broader view of the fund set up and what changes might be made. Together
with this the Electoral Commission will also be drafting their own evaluation of the fund to
accompany the GE23 review. The EAF team are working with MoJ to try and balance how
the interviews will be done and how we can minimize duplication of questions and
interviews and be most effective and less of an imposition to those being interviewed.
The panel asked about making recommendations around extending the fund to local
government elections. Leigh indicated that this sort of recommendation could be made by
the panel when interviewed by MOJ.
Next Steps:
As per legislation, the Election Access Fund needs to be available for by-elections. It was
noted that the panel member’s contract term comes to an end on 31 Dec 2023. Leigh will
email the panel members separately about how we can work in the eventuality of one.
General matters:
Leigh and Charmaine brought to the panel’s attention the Official Information Act Request
received for the Election Access Fund on the 21st of November 2023, requesting copies of
the panel meeting minutes, total sum the panel members have been paid for their services
as well as declarations of interest. The information has been gathered and a response
drafted to respond to the request.
Dianne asked if the panel could have feedback on the evaluation once it is completed and if
the members could add their personal views of the fund.
Dianne requested that the panel members send through their pay claims to the Electoral
Commission for payment as soon as possible to wrap up any outstanding administration.
Closing
Huhana closed off the meeting with the Karakia.
Next meeting No further meetings have been set.