Pionero Blue

1. Full Name: Pionero Blue Limited

2. Also Known As (Brand): PioneroBlue (stylised brand name; no former names publicly known) – Data Not Found for any former names.

3. Company Number: 6462392 (NZ Companies Office registration number)

4. NZBN (NZ Business Number): 9429046373878

5. Legal Status: New Zealand Limited Company (privately held consultancy)

6. Date of Incorporation: 27 September 2017

7. Registered Address: 596 Minden Road, Te Puna, Tauranga 3176, New Zealand (address of the founders)

8. Postal Address: PO Box 13486, Tauranga 3141, New Zealand

9. Website: pioneroblue.com – Official site provides overview of services (strategic advisory in commercial, public policy and political arenas).

10. Contact Email: info@pblimited.com (general inquiries)

11. Founders / Principals: Timothy John Hurdle and Jacinda Marita Lean (husband-and-wife team, co-directors since incorporation). They are the sole principals described as “Our Principals” on the official site.

12. Shareholders: Timothey John Hurdle (50%), Jacinda Marita Lean (50)

13. Leadership Team: Tim Hurdle (Principal Consultant and Director) and Jacinda Lean (Principal Consultant and Director). No separate board – the founders constitute the leadership.

14. Biography – Tim Hurdle: Former National Party senior adviser and political operative. Served as Senior Adviser to Ministers of Transport and Economic Development in the John Key government. Past policy roles at IAG (insurance), the EU, and in UK/NZ public service. Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown (2022) and for the National Party’s 2020 general election campaign (under leader Todd Muller/Gerry Brownlee). Previously worked for Crosby Textor, an international political consultancy known for advising right-leaning campaigns (including Boris Johnson’s). Has governance roles on several boards (various sectors).

15. Biography – Jacinda Lean: Former public sector senior manager and legal/policy advisor. Over 20 years in NZ public service: held General Manager positions at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) and Ministry of Health, Director of Strategy & Governance at Tauranga City Council, and earlier roles as a lawyer/manager at Child, Youth and Family. Also seconded to multiple Cabinet Ministers’ offices as a policy advisor. Experienced in local government, central government and iwi contracts.

16. Former Public Servants on Staff: Jacinda Lean – career public servant (CERA, MSD, MoH, local government) before joining PioneroBlue. Tim Hurdle – former ministerial advisor in government (though a political appointee rather than a career civil servant). Both exemplify the “revolving door”, moving from government roles into private consulting.

17. Areas of Operation: Strategic advisory and consultancy focused on public policy, government processes, and political strategy. Key areas include infrastructure, economic development, international trade, and regulatory issues. The firm offers services in policy analysis, government relations (engagement with agencies, ministers, local authorities), crafting submissions to consultations/Select Committees, and executive training for navigating the political ecosystem.

18. Client Base: Not publicly disclosed. PioneroBlue does not publish its client list. The firm positions itself as assisting “private sector clients” in influencing government decisions. Known engagements suggest a mix of corporate and political clients (e.g. infrastructure firms, trade bodies, and political candidates). Lack of transparency around clients has been noted as a concern by watchdogs. However, public reports indicate a range of clients, including significant public and private sector entities: e.g. Auckland Council, and numerous others across technology, infrastructure, and primary industries, as suggested by their website's description of services.

19. Political Campaign Involvement: PioneroBlue’s principals actively work on political campaigns. Tim Hurdle was the campaign director and chief strategist for Wayne Brown’s 2022 Auckland mayoral campaign, credited as the “mastermind” of Brown’s upset victory. Jacinda Lean also assisted in Brown’s campaign and transition. In 2024, Hurdle served as the official campaign organiser (“authorised by Tim Hurdle”) for Mahé Drysdale’s Tauranga mayoral campaign, which Drysdale won. These roles indicate PioneroBlue’s direct influence in local electoral politics.

20. Government Contracts: Yes – notably with Auckland Council. After the 2022 election, Pionero Blue Ltd was awarded a contract up to NZ$280,000 (Oct 2022–Apr 2023) for “Mayoral Office Transition – Chief of Staff (COS) and Deputy COS positions” in Mayor Wayne Brown’s office. Through this contract, Tim Hurdle served as Acting Chief of Staff and Jacinda Lean as Acting Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor. (Auckland Council later indicated the full amount would not be billed as the arrangement was scaled back). No other public-sector contracts are documented, but Jacinda Lean has separately done short-term projects for local/central government as a consultant.

21. Affiliations and Networks: Tim Hurdle is associated with the centre-right political network in NZ. He has past employment ties to Crosby Textor (CT), a prominent political consulting firm known for running conservative campaigns. He is a regular political commentator on RNZ’s “Nine to Noon” panel, often paired with ex-Labour staffer Neale Jones. Hurdle has contributed opinion pieces to media (e.g. The Post newspaper) and international think tanks (he authored a piece for Australia’s ASPI, credited as director of a defense-focused firm). Jacinda Lean’s networks include local government executives and public service professionals. PioneroBlue is not known to be formally part of any industry lobby groups or trade associations – it operates independently, leveraging the personal networks of its principals.

22. Related Entities: Museum Street Strategies – a Wellington-based public affairs firm focusing on defense/national security, where Tim Hurdle is listed as a director. Campaign Technologies Ltd – another company directed by Tim Hurdle (incorporated 2018), possibly created for political tech or campaign services (its activities are not publicly reported). These suggest Hurdle’s involvement in multiple consulting ventures beyond PioneroBlue. No parent or holding company for PioneroBlue; it’s a standalone consultancy (Ultimate Holding Company: No).

23. Leadership & Staffing Issues: PioneroBlue appears to be a two-person operation, with Hurdle and Lean as the only key consultants. No other permanent staff are publicly identified, though they may partner with subcontractors on projects (not disclosed). The firm’s small size belies its impact via high-profile contracts and campaigns. The principals’ dual roles (e.g. serving as both campaign strategists and later as contracted council staff) have drawn scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest.

24. Financial Disclosure: Data Not Found. As a private company, PioneroBlue’s financials (annual revenue, profit, or funding sources) are not publicly available. The Auckland Council contract (up to $280k) illustrates one significant income source. Political campaign work for candidates might be paid from campaign funds (e.g. Mahé Drysdale’s campaign spent $41k total, which likely included consulting fees). The firm’s sustainability likely depends on a mix of consulting fees from corporate and government clients, but no detailed breakdown is published.

25. Political Associations: Ideologically, PioneroBlue’s principals are linked to the political right/centre-right. Hurdle’s history with the National Party and Crosby Textor suggests a conservative/pro-business orientation. Indeed, many of their engagements (Wayne Brown, a center-right independent; Mahé Drysdale, who attracted property developer support) align with business-friendly agendas. However, the company is not openly affiliated with any political party. Its value proposition is access to insider knowledge of government, irrespective of party.

26. Revolving Door & Conflicts: The company exemplifies the “revolving door” phenomenon. Both principals leveraged government experience into private consulting, and then rotated back into government roles via contract. In Auckland, Hurdle and Lean went straight from campaigning to holding influential City Hall positions. This raised concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency: e.g. a sitting Mayor hiring his own campaign director’s firm without open tender (a decision questioned by council insiders and observers). There are no legal cooling-off periods in NZ to restrict such moves. PioneroBlue’s case has been cited by reform advocates as evidence for stronger lobbying rules (like mandatory disclosures and stand-down periods).

27. Integrity & Transparency: PioneroBlue does not disclose its clients or specific lobbying activities publicly. New Zealand currently lacks a mandatory lobbyist register, and PioneroBlue has not voluntarily published any code of conduct or client list. Watchdog groups have highlighted this opacity, noting that firms like PioneroBlue could be “pushing the interests of wealthy vested interests” behind closed doors in local government. The Integrity Institute’s new unofficial register (where this profile will appear) is part of an effort to bring such activities to light.

28. Notable Relationships: Wayne Brown – As client and employer. PioneroBlue’s principals steered Brown’s campaign and then became key advisors in his administration. That relationship ended within months (they left the Mayor’s office by early 2023), but Brown’s policy direction was arguably influenced by their advice during the transition. Mahé Drysdale – Another client; Hurdle was the official agent for Drysdale’s successful 2024 mayoral bid. Matthew Hooton – A Brown advisor and well-known lobbyist, technically a competitor but also a collaborator in Brown’s team. PioneroBlue’s proximity to figures like these situates it in a wider network of influencers shaping NZ local politics.

29. Summary of Influence: PioneroBlue is a small firm with outsized political influence. Founded by veteran insiders, it operates at the nexus of business and politics, offering clients a “strategic lens” to navigate government. Its track record – from engineering mayoral campaigns to embedding in a mayor’s office – demonstrates an ability to affect public outcomes without public visibility. This profile serves to document the firm’s structure, connections and activities as part of a broader push for transparency in New Zealand’s lobbying environment.

Sources:

[1] Our Team – PioneroBlue, Official Website (2024). (Background on Tim Hurdle and Jacinda Lean’s experience) – pioneroblue.com/our-team

[2] PioneroBlue (Home Page), Official Website (2024). (Firm’s self-description of services and strategic focus) – pioneroblue.com/ (accessed 2024)

[3] Contact Us – Pionero Blue Limited, Official Website (2024). (Contact details, NZBN, and address) – pioneroblue.com/ (Contact section)

[4] Bernard Orsman, “Meet the ‘fixers’: The people who propelled Wayne Brown to Mayor of Auckland”, NZ Herald, 10 Oct 2022. (Profiles Brown’s campaign team: Hurdle credited as mastermind, Lean’s role, Crosby Textor link) – https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/meet-the-fixers-the-people-who-propelled-wayne-brown-to-mayor-of-auckland/AVSYLIY4G6PHF6CU6OZGMB52LE/

[5] New Zealand Companies Office Registry – Pionero Blue Limited, via NZ Business Directory (updated 2022). (Incorporation details: 27 Sep 2017; directors Tim Hurdle & Jacinda Lean; Company No. 6462392; NZBN 9429046373878) – https://www.nzwao.com/companies/pionero-blue-limited/

[6] Tom Dillane, “Wayne Brown earmarks $415k to key advisors after pledge to slash council salaries”, NZ Herald (via Newstalk ZB), 10 Dec 2022. (Reveals contracts for Brown’s advisors: $280k to Pionero Blue Ltd for Hurdle (Chief of Staff) & Lean (policy advisor), $135k to Hooton, etc., notes Brown’s cost-cutting pledge) – https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-earmarks-415k-to-matthew-hooton-and-key-advisors-after-pledge-to-slash-council-salaries/

[7] Auckland Council Awarded Contracts Report – October 2022, Auckland Council official document. (Lists Pionero Blue Ltd contract CW169349, “Mayoral Office Transition – COS and DCOS positions”, start 10/10/2022, value $280,000) – https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/…/awarded-contracts-report-october-2022.pdf (see p.2)

[8] Tom Dillane, “Wayne Brown’s ‘staggering’ $123k legal bill, plus his $5k a week chief of staff”, NZ Herald, 14 Jan 2023. (Reports Mayor Brown paying $6000/week to acting CoS Max Hardy (law firm partner) and $123k on external legal advice; notes councillors’ concern at spending) – https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/staggering-wayne-browns-big-spend-with-top-nz-law-firm-5k-plus-a-week-chief-of-staff-123k-in-legal-advice/SBJNMX66UBF2XKA5UXULF663YE/

[9] Libby Kirkby-McLeod, “Tauranga by-election results: Olympian Mahé Drysdale set to become mayor”, RNZ News, 20 Jul 2024. (Covers Drysdale leading by ~5000 votes in Tauranga mayoral race, essentially confirming his win; notes low turnout and context of commissioners since 2021) – https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/522659/tauranga-by-election-results-olympian-mahe-drysdale-set-to-become-mayor

[10] Alisha Evans (Local Democracy Reporting), “Tauranga election 2024: Candidates’ spending and donations revealed”, NZ Herald (SunLive), 4 Oct 2024. (Details Drysdale’s campaign spending $41,409, second highest; notes his two largest donations came from his mother and a property developer; confirms Drysdale as Tauranga’s mayor) – https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tauranga-election-2024-candidates-spending-and-donations-revealed/I6PBCM4M6BBCRLIZMG7QRNHIHQ/

[11] Mahé Drysdale – 2024 Mayoral Campaign Website, mahedrysdale.co.nz (Archived 2024). (“Authorised by Tim Hurdle – contact info@mahedrysdale.co.nz” on site footer, indicating Hurdle as campaign organiser; site outlines Drysdale’s platform and bio) –

https://www.mahedrysdale.co.nz/

[12] Radio NZ Nine to Noon – Political commentators Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle, RNZ broadcast, 10 Mar 2025. (RNZ introduction: “Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.”) – https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018978195/political-commentators-neale-jones-and-tim-hurdle

[13] Auckland Council Contracts Award List (excerpt), via Craig Lord (public Facebook post), Oct 2022. (Raises question of Pionero Blue’s contract: notes company director was Wayne Brown’s Chief of Staff, implying a conflict in awarding $280k contract to his own firm) – Facebook.com post (Whau Ward page), archived snippet via Bing: “Interested to hear more about how the tender was awarded to Pionero… whose company director is also Wayne Brown’s Chief of Staff”

[14] Bryce Edwards, “Political Roundup: Lobbyists use the revolving door into mayoral offices”, Evening Report (analysis syndicated from Democracy Project), 18 Oct 2022. (Highlights Hurdle as Brown’s acting CoS with National/Crosby Textor background; Lean as Deputy CoS; their firm did Brown’s campaign research; discusses conflicts of interest and need for lobbyists to disclose clients in such roles) – https://eveningreport.nz/2022/10/18/bryce-edwards-political-roundup-lobbyists-use-the-revolving-door-into-mayoral-offices/

[15] Bryce Edwards, quoted in Evening Report above, and Integrity Institute commentary. (Warns that in local government, officials with lobbying backgrounds may serve “wealthy vested interests” unless transparency is imposed; calls for mandatory client disclosure and regulation to prevent hidden influence) – EveningReport.nz, ibid., analysis section.

[16] Australian Strategic Policy Institute – The Strategist: Tim Hurdle bio note, 25 May 2023. (States “Tim Hurdle is a director at Museum Street Strategies, a NZ defence and national security public affairs firm. He is a contributor to The Post and a Radio NZ political commentator.”) – https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/new-zealand-is-waking-up-to-threats/ (Author bio)

[17] NZ Companies Office – Director listings for Timothy John Hurdle, via NZ Business Directory (2023). (Shows Hurdle as director of Pionero Blue Ltd (since 2017) and Campaign Technologies Ltd (since 2018); indicates PioneroBlue’s registered address in Te Puna, Tauranga.) – https://www.nzwao.com/director/Timothy+John+HURDLE/

[18] Newstalk ZB / NZ Herald: “Wayne Brown entering council with team of advisors”, NZME News, Oct 2022. (Describes Brown sticking with campaign team instead of hiring permanent staff initially; quotes Brown about having a team “lined up”; context for Hurdle/Lean transition into office) – Referenced in NZ Herald Premium content (summary via Orsman’s reporting) – nzherald.co.nz (Premium; as reported 10 Oct 2022).

[19] Boyd Swinburn (Health Coalition Aotearoa), quoted in Point of Order, 16 Apr 2025. (States “policy must serve the public, not just those with money and access… when lobbying goes unchecked, powerful interests override public good,” advocating reforms) – PointofOrderNZ.wordpress.com (Integrity Briefing).

[20] Anne Tolley et al., “Let’s Level the Playing Field” lobbying reform campaign, Apr 2025. (Broad coalition including former insiders calling for lobbying register, cooling-off periods, and an Integrity Commission, reflecting concerns highlighted by cases like PioneroBlue) – IntegrityInstitute.org.nz (summarised in Integrity Institute briefing).

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz