After an election all electorate candidates have to file a return of donations, expenses and loans.
Candidate returns for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election are due by 5pm, Monday 15 December 2025. You don't have to wait until this deadline. You can file your return as soon as it is ready after the election.
You still have to complete the return form even if you didn't receive any donations or loans or incur any election advertising expenses.
If you have election advertising that features you and your party, or other candidates, you'll need to liaise with them about apportioning the cost based on coverage.
If someone else paid for advertising promoting your candidacy, you still need to report this as an expense in your return, and report the amount as a donation if the person has donated more than $1,500.
You need to use our return form, which can be downloaded below. The printable version can be filled in by hand. The fillable version can be completed digitally. Please read the instructions about how to complete the fillable version, including the types of digital signatures we accept, before completing the fillable form.