LOBBYING 101

BACKGROUND ON NZ’S LOBBYING INDUSTRY

Lobbying shapes decisions that affect all of us every day. However, without your involvement, the voices that are heard the loudest and clearest often belong to big companies or powerful groups with deep pockets. Surprisingly, New Zealand does not have formal regulations for lobbying. A proposed 'Lobbying Disclosure Bill' in 2013, which would have required lobbyists to register and follow specific rules, was stopped by Members of Parliament. Although there has been little progress since, the conversation about regulating lobbying is gaining momentum again.

What is lobbying, exactly, and how does it work in New Zealand? Let’s explore the role of lobbying in our political system and discuss why Lobby for Good is determined to make a change.

“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

Lobbying is a powerful force in shaping New Zealand’s political landscape, yet it often remains unseen by the public. Why might you not be aware of it? To help clarify, we've created a visual diagram. At the top, you’ll see the Lobby for Good, open and visible to everyone. This represents our commitment to transparency.

Below the surface, we illustrate how traditional lobbying operates - often out of sight within legal firms, PR companies, industry groups, trade unions, big corporations, and government relations and consulting firms.

This is why the lobbying industry can be elusive and why its influence might not have been on your radar until now as much of this activity happens 'underground,' making it hard for the average person to see or engage with.

AT LOBBY FOR GOOD WE OPERATE ABOVE THE GROUND SO YOU KNOW WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT. THROUGH OUR NETWORKS WE'LL ADDRESS ISSUES, IDENTIFY POTENTIAL OBSTACLES, AND ENSURE YOU'RE KEPT INFORMED ABOUT THE PROGRESS WE'RE MAKING ON THE CAMPAIGNS YOU'RE INTERESTED IN.

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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.”