There could be serious consequences for the Maori Party for declaring donations too late

Police have referred the matter to the Serious Fraud Office for further investigation.

The Electoral Commission had previously referred donations totalling 320-thousand dollars to police.

Otago University law expert Professor Andrew Geddis says failing to disclose donations on time is considered a corrupt practice, and could carry a jail term of up to two years and a 100-thousand dollar fine.

But he says chances are it wouldn't be given, especially if the reason for the failure is simple incompetence.