Dissappointment over the Maori Party's late declaration of more than 300-thousand dollars in donations

Three large donations made to the party around the last election, have only just been declared this year.

The Electoral Commission must be told within 10 working days of donations over 30-thousand dollars - so has referred the matter to police.

Party President Che Wilson says it's because they misinterpreted the law.

Auckland University Politics Lecturer Dr Lara Greaves says it isn't good enough.

She says it's an error that could cost the Maori Party dearly, and potentially even lead to prison sentences.