LOBBYING 101

Lobbying 101: How Decisions Get Made—And Why You Should Be Involved

When you hear the word “lobbying,” you might think of corporate interests influencing politicians behind closed doors. And in New Zealand, that’s often exactly how it works. Right now, there are no regulations on lobbying, meaning powerful interests can shape policies without public scrutiny.

But lobbying isn’t just for big businesses or those with deep pockets, it’s a tool that communities can and should use to push for fairer, more transparent decision-making.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Every major decision, whether it’s about housing, transport, education, disability, or local rates, is influenced by lobbying. When only well-funded groups have access to decision-makers, everyday people get left out. That’s why transparency is key.

At Lobby for Good, we work to change that. We ensure that community-backed, well-researched issues reach the right people, so policies aren’t just shaped by those with the loudest or most expensive voices, but by the people who actually live with the consequences.

“Main political parties are risk averse and not prepared to get offside with key lobbyists and since it all happens in secret, the public are completely unaware and oblivious to it”

Sue Kedgley (former lobbyist and MP)

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LOBBY CAMPAIGNS

THE HIDDEN POWER OF LOBBYING:
WHO REALLY INFLUENCES DECISIONS IN NEW ZEALAND?

Lobbying shapes political decisions every single day, but in New Zealand, most of it happens behind closed doors. Without regulation or public oversight, powerful industries, PR firms, and legal teams influence policies in ways that most Kiwis never see.

This graphic breaks it down:

At the top, you’ll see how Lobby for Good operates, openly, transparently, and directly engaging with communities and decision-makers. We believe lobbying should serve the public interest, not just those with money and influence.
Below, we’ve exposed the layers of traditional lobbying—the hidden networks of industry groups, corporate consultants, and well-funded players who shape decisions behind the scenes.

By pulling back the curtain, we’re showing why transparency matters—and how Lobby for Good is working to disrupt the old model and put power back in the hands of everyday New Zealanders.

AT LOBBY FOR GOOD WE OPERATE ABOVE THE GROUND SO YOU KNOW WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON AND WHY IT MATTERS. THROUGH OUR NETWORKS WE TACKLE IMPORTANT ISSUES, IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CHALLENGES, AND KEEP YOU INFORMED EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CAMPAIGNS YOU CARE ABOUT.

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“Unlike some other Western democracies, a lack of legislation in New Zealand requiring transparency around lobbying allows activities and tactics to be kept hidden from public scrutiny. Subsequent research for this project found that media frequently do not identify that some news making organisations are in reality lobby groups.”