A media commentator is backing the New Zealand Herald's right to get stuck in to the government.

The newspaper has today devoted its entire front page to an editorial entitled "Democracy Under Attack". It hits out at both the Electoral Finance Bill and another bill that would legitimise the use of taxpayer funds to pay for campaigns like Labour's pledge card.

New Zealand Broadcasting School lecturer Paul Norris says it is common for overseas newspapers to run editorials on their front page. He believes the Herald's intention is to awaken the public on what it considers to be a very important issue.

Former Labour Prime Minister Mike Moore is also weighing in behind critics of the Bill. He has told Newstalk ZB political parties and groups outside parliament have been using election war chests for years.

Mr Moore says the amount of government advertising is also out of kilter - and it is growing with every government.