Beyond transactional arrangements and bringing together the expat Chinese community, “the wider agenda is influencing political parties”. A former New Zealand MP speaks out.

By Paula Penfold and Louisa Cleave | By Stuff (NZ)

Summary

Jami-Lee Ross, a former National MP in New Zealand, has had a tumultuous political career marked by high ambitions, significant fundraising efforts, and a dramatic fall from grace.

His experiences, particularly his involvement with Chinese political donors, provide a unique perspective on the influence of foreign entities within New Zealand’s political system.

Ross’s journey began with his election to the Botany constituency in 2011, where he was advised to get close to the Chinese community due to its significant presence in his electorate. This led to his cultivation of relationships with Chinese state officials and businessmen, which became a central aspect of his political career.

His downfall started in 2018 when he publicly accused his leader, Simon Bridges, of breaching donation rules and subsequently faced fraud charges himself, alongside three Chinese businessmen. Despite being found not guilty, the legal and political battles took a toll on his life and career.

Ross’s insights into the machinations and relationships between donors and politicians are particularly illuminating. He acknowledges the influence of Chinese associations in bringing together the expat Chinese community and their wider agenda of influencing political parties and, by extension, the government. He describes how politicians are groomed from the beginning of their careers and how these relationships can lead to favours and a reluctance to speak out against certain issues, such as China’s activities in the South Pacific.

Ross believes that improved legislation alone is not sufficient to address the issue of foreign interference.

Read the original, full-text of this interview at the publisher’s website here.