Deposit by candidate

1 Every constituency candidate, or some person on the constituency candidate’s behalf, must deposit with the Electoral Commission the sum of $300 not later than noon on nomination day. 2 The deposit must be paid— a in cash; or b by direct credit to a bank account nominated by the Electoral Commission. 3 The deposit of an unsuccessful candidate is forfeit and must be paid into a Crown Bank Account if the candidate receives in total less than 5% of the total number of votes received by constituency candidates in the district. 4 In every other case, the deposit of a constituency candidate must be returned to the person who paid it, but only after the Electoral Commission has received from that candidate duly completed returns under sections 205K and 209 . 1956 No 107 s 81; 1990 No 1 s 39(1) Section 144(1) : amended , on 20 December 2025 , by section 84 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 82). Section 144(2) : replaced , on 1 January 2023 , by section 33 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 80). Section 144(3) : substituted , on 28 February 2002 , by section 56 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1). Section 144(3) : amended , on 25 January 2005 , pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44). Section 144(4) : added , on 28 February 2002 , by section 56 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 1). Section 144(4) : amended , on 1 October 2010 , by section 32(1)(a) of the Electoral (Administration) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 26). Section 144(4) : amended , on 1 March 2009 , by section 14 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 1). Section 144(4) : amended , on 20 December 2007 , by section 16 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 113).