LOBBYING 101

HOW DECISIONS REALLY GET MADE

THE TRUTH ABOUT INFLUENCE IN NEW ZEALAND:
When most people hear “lobbying,” they think backroom deals and corporate power - and in New Zealand, that’s not far from the truth.
There are no real rules. No public register. No requirement to disclose who’s influencing policy or why.

But here’s the thing:
Lobbying itself isn’t bad - it’s just been captured by those with money and access.
It’s a tool. And tools can be used for good.

We’re here to show you how.
Lobby for Good helps communities, charities, and everyday New Zealanders learn how the system works - and how to use it to push for change.
From writing to ministers and councils, to understanding how policies are shaped, to building campaigns that get noticed - we make lobbying accessible to everyone.

THE HIDDEN POWER OF LOBBYING

Who’s Really Shaping Decisions in New Zealand?
Lobbying influences almost every political decision, but most of it happens out of sight.
There are no clear rules, no public register, and little accountability.
Behind closed doors, powerful industries, PR firms, and legal teams quietly shape policy while most New Zealanders are left in the dark.

Our Model vs Theirs
In the traditional model, lobbyists trade on access and secrecy - a network of insiders shaping outcomes for clients who can pay.
In ours, everything happens in the open. We engage directly with communities, back up what we say with evidence, and put public interest at the centre.

We’re here to flip that. We help level the playing field by bringing well-researched, community-backed issues directly to those in power - so decisions aren’t made by the loudest or wealthiest voices, but by the people who live with the consequences. By exposing how influence works - and using it responsibly - we’re making the invisible visible and putting power back where it belongs: with the people.

“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)

HOW WE LOBBY FOR GOOD

We Use Lobbying for the Public Good
Lobbying itself isn’t the problem - secrecy is.
We use the same tools that private lobbyists use, but for the public interest.

We do this by:

Exposing influence to shine a light on who’s shaping decisions and why.
Training communities and teaching everyday New Zealanders how to advocate effectively.
Connecting causes by helping charities and local groups pool their power.
Lobbying for reform, pushing for stronger transparency rules and a public lobbying register.

When people understand how decisions are made, they can change them.

Join the Movement
Whether you’re part of a community group, a local campaign, or just one person who wants to make a difference - we can help you be heard.

LEARN HOW TO LOBBY FOR GOOD TODAY

WE'RE DONE WAITING FOR CHANGE - WE'RE MAKING IT HAPPEN. LOBBY FOR GOOD TAKES LOBBYING OUT OF THE SHADOWS AND PUTS IT BACK IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE. WE INVESTIGATE, EXPOSE, AND ACT - WORKING ALONGSIDE EVERYDAY NEW ZEALANDERS TO MAKE INFLUENCE TRANSPARENT, FAIR, AND ACCOUNTABLE.

JOIN US

“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.”