The Serious Fraud Office has launched an investigation in relation to donations made to the Labour Party in 2017.

The SFO is currently conducting four investigations in relation to electoral funding matters, including Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel’s 2019 election returns.

The other cases involve the New Zealand First Foundation, and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff’s election expenses.

A fifth matter that the agency investigated relating to electoral funding is now before the courts.

Serious Fraud Office Director Julie Read said “we consider that making the current announcement is consistent with our past practice in this area of electoral investigations and in the public interest”

“In the interests of transparency and consistency, the SFO has announced the commencement of all these investigations.”

In a statement by the SFO, it says the SFO has commenced an investigation is not an indication of guilt.

“In order to commence an investigation, the Serious Fraud Office Act requires that the Director must have reasonable grounds to believe that a relevant offence may have been committed.

“The Director does not have to be satisfied that an offence has been committed.”

The SFO had no further comment to make.