Saunders Unsworth

1. Business / Trading Name: Saunders Unsworth Limited (commonly known as “Saunders Unsworth”).

2. Company Number: 508527 (NZ Companies Office registration number).

3. NZBN (New Zealand Business Number): 9429039102775 .

4. Entity Type: New Zealand Limited Company (private, limited liability) .

5. Business Classification: Government relations and lobbying consultancy (management consulting services in public affairs) . (No specific ANZSIC industry code is publicly listed; likely falls under management consultancy / public relations services.)

6. Industry Category: Professional services – Public Relations / Government Affairs (specialising in influencing public policy and government decision-making).

7. Year Founded: 1991 (incorporated 10 June 1991 as “Barrie Saunders & Associates”, rebranded as Saunders Unsworth in 1994 with co-founder Mark Unsworth joining) .

8. Addresses:

• Physical/Registered Office: Level 4, Solnet House, 70 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand (office used from 2012 to early 2025).

• Updated Office (2025): 40 Bowen Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand (new registered address from 30 Jan 2025).

• Postal: PO Box 10-200, Wellington, New Zealand .

9. Website URL:

http://www.sul.co.nz/

(official website of Saunders Unsworth) .

10. LinkedIn URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429039102775 (company profile on LinkedIn, with basic info and employee listings).

11. Company Hub NZ URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companies/saunders-unsworth-limited/ (CompanyHub directory entry showing registration details – company number, NZBN, status, etc).

12. NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/508527?backurl=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEXLuwrCQBCF4bfZNhcNIcUgNlqYQjAvMOyOupC9ODNR8vZGjNj954NTZLyRFDaFjNEvJYRs77sHdNu6KzddVdZt2xiK6nUe5kwC%2B75f90VRJzlymvKXfbSJ84FTgLWHBAadYxL5v1c40fxK7MCIIiuUZvTBK1SNkeuC7vN8YrTkzhhpBOWJTEiO4Odvz3%2FVgL8AAAA%3D

13. Social Media URLs: No official corporate social media accounts found. (The firm maintains a low public profile; partners occasionally share updates via personal accounts, e.g. Charles Finny on X/Twitter) .

14. Ultimate Holding Company: None – Privately held. The company is independent and not owned by any parent entity .

15. Key Shareholders: (Equal 25% stakes each, totaling 15,000 shares )

• Robert Mark Unsworth – Co-founder and Director (3,750 shares) .

• Roger Sowry – Partner and Director (3,750 shares) .

• Charles Finny – Partner and Director (3,750 shares) .

• Joanna Murray – Partner and Director (3,750 shares) .

16. Leadership:

• Mark Unsworth – Co-founder & Senior Partner: Veteran lobbyist, co-founded firm in 1994 (joined Barrie Saunders’ practice) . Former parliamentary staffer with decades of influence industry experience .

• Roger Sowry – Partner: Director since 2009 , former Cabinet Minister and National Party MP (1990–2008) now providing high-level political strategy .

• Charles Finny – Partner: Director since 2012 . Ex-diplomat and trade negotiator (led NZ–China FTA talks) ; brings government and international expertise. Appointed Chair of NZ Trade & Enterprise in 2025 .

• Joanna (Jo) Murray – Partner: Director since 2015 . Public relations specialist with 35+ years experience in communications , overseeing client engagements and media strategy.

(Other Directors: Barrie Saunders – co-founder (retired 2015) – no longer active in leadership.)

17. Staff: (Small team; largely the partners themselves and support staff.)

• Mark Unsworth – Principal lobbyist (Owner/Partner) .

• Roger Sowry – Government relations advisor (Partner) .

• Charles Finny – Government relations consultant (Partner) .

• Joanna “Jo” Murray – Public affairs consultant (Partner) .

• Vari Jones – Office Manager (supports operations; based in Wellington/Edinburgh).

(The firm typically has 4–5 staff in total . No large junior staff; work is partner-led.)

18. Staff with Previous Government Roles:

• Mark Unsworth: Former Parliamentary Private Secretary (ministerial aide) to Labour Finance Minister David Caygill .

• Roger Sowry: Former Member of Parliament (1987–2008) and Cabinet Minister (National Party) . Served as Deputy Leader of the National Party (1997–2001).

• Charles Finny: Career public servant – ex-New Zealand diplomat and trade negotiator. Served as NZ’s lead negotiator for major trade agreements (including the 2008 China–NZ FTA) . Former CEO of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce . Now also Chair of government agency NZ Trade & Enterprise .

• Barrie Saunders (Past staff): Former press secretary to PM Bill Rowling (1970s) and public relations manager in government-linked bodies (Manufacturers’ Federation, Meat Board) . Co-founded the firm after a career in journalism and public service communications.

19. Past Employees: (Notable former partners or staff who have left the firm)

• Barrie Saunders: Co-founder and Principal (1991–2015). Retired in 2015 after 25 years lobbying . A former journalist and political press secretary, he remains an influential public commentator.

• Christopher Don Baker: Partner/Director (2002–2012). Joined the firm in 2004, later departed by 2012 . (Ran “Baker Resource Ltd” which temporarily held a stake in Saunders Unsworth .)

• Roger Michael Mackey: Co-founder (early partner, 1991–2004). Involved at establishment (held shares from 1991 until exiting in 2004) .

(Other junior consultants have been minimal; the firm’s model relies on principals. No public record of other notable alumni beyond the founding partners.)

20. Clients: Saunders Unsworth discloses a roster of past and present clients on its website (over 160 listed) . Known clients and sectors include:

• Australia & NZ Screen Association (ANZSA): Lobby group for major film studios (Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros, etc.) – SU represents ANZSA’s interests in NZ (e.g. securing film subsidies).

• Independent Liquor/Asahi: Large beverage company – engaged SU for alcohol industry issues (e.g. crafting a voluntary code for RTD drinks) .

• Port Companies (Port CEO Group): Coalition of NZ port authorities – SU (Barrie Saunders) led a 14-member Port CEO forum (2002–2015) advocating for port sector interests .

• New Zealand Business Roundtable: Free-market think tank of corporate CEOs – SU consulted for NZBR on public policy campaigns .

• Industry Associations: Various, including fishing industry bodies, used vehicle importers, pharmaceutical advertising groups, meat exporters, pipfruit growers, and timber producers . SU has represented or advised these sector groups on regulatory and policy matters.

• Education Sector: Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics – SU worked with the ITP sector on government relations .

• Other Corporate Clients: The firm’s client list spans banking, energy, tech, and telecommunications companies (it generally accepts only one client per industry sector to avoid conflicts) . Many are listed on their website http://www.sul.co.nz/clients/

21. Industries/Sectors Represented:

• Telecommunications and Tech – e.g. engagement with ICT companies and tech multinationals (film/streaming platforms, internet firms) .

• Energy and Infrastructure – including power utilities and possibly petroleum (one client per sector approach suggests representation in energy industry) .

• Primary Industries – agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and horticulture (meat exporters, fishing industry, pipfruit growers, timber sector) .

• Transport and Logistics – port companies and freight/logistics industry (ports lobbying on regulation, supply chain issues ).

• Alcohol and Tobacco – alcohol manufacturers/associations (brewers, liquor producers) ; (No confirmed tobacco client currently, though past lobby efforts in that sector occur in NZ).

• Healthcare/Pharmaceutical – pharma advertising and medicines sector (advising industry on regulatory matters) .

• Education – tertiary education providers and sector organizations (polytechnics, universities, etc.) .

• Banking and Finance – financial sector clients (historically SU has been linked with corporates in banking/insurance) .

• Film & Media – international and local media producers (Hollywood studios via ANZSA) ; NZ screen sector and broadcasters.

• Business Advocacy – business councils, chambers of commerce, and pro-business lobby groups (close ties to Wellington Chamber of Commerce, NZ Business Roundtable) .

22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: (Examples of the firm’s lobbying interactions on public record, often revealed via Official Information Act requests or media reports)

• Film Industry Subsidy Lobby (2021): In April 2021, Saunders Unsworth lobbyist Jo Murray emailed Minister Stuart Nash to arrange a meeting for ANZSA’s CEO, pressing to maintain government film grants . The meeting was granted, and SU’s client advocated successfully for continued screen production subsidies .

• Commerce Commission Meetings (2022): On 31 Oct 2022, Charles Finny (SU) met with Commerce Commission officials to discuss port sector competition issues, having requested an update meeting on behalf of port industry clients . On 15 Nov 2022, Joanna Murray (SU) accompanied Paul Muller of ANZSA to meet the Commission regarding proposed Commerce Act guidelines (competition rules affecting the media sector) . These lobbying meetings – and related documents – were disclosed under the OIA.

• Parliamentary Access (Ongoing): SU principals hold “Parliamentary frequent visitor” passes (sponsored by MPs) allowing regular access to the Beehive. The Speaker’s office confirmed SU’s client lists are voluntarily available (unlike most firms) , yet formal disclosure of which politicians are lobbied remains opaque.

• Select Committee Submissions

• Ministerial Communications: OIA releases show SU lobbyists corresponding with ministerial advisors – e.g. seeking information on trade delegations or policy timing on clients’ behalf . Such behind-the-scenes engagements, while routine, only come to light through document releases.

23. Affiliations:

• Wellington Chamber of Commerce: Both founders have strong ties – Barrie Saunders served as President of the Wellington Chamber (2000–2002) , Charles Finny was Chief Executive of the Chamber (2005–2010) . These roles connect the firm to Wellington’s business community and networking events.

• New Zealand Taiwan Business Council: Charles Finny is a Council Member of the NZTBC , reflecting SU’s international trade links. (Finny’s diplomatic background leads to involvement in bilateral business councils, e.g. with Taiwan, China).

• Government Boards: SU partners hold positions on public entity boards – e.g. Charles Finny chairs Education New Zealand. (These affiliations give the firm insight and influence in policy areas related to trade, education and film.)

• New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union: Barrie Saunders (though retired from SU) joined the board of this political advocacy group in 2017 , signaling alignment with its accountability and low-tax ideals. He finished at the New Zealand Taxpayer’s Union in 2021

• Political Parties: While the firm is officially non-partisan, individual associates have party connections (Roger Sowry with National; Mark Unsworth and Barrie Saunders originally with Labour circles ). SU itself is not formally affiliated with any party but maintains working relationships across the spectrum.

• Professional Networks: Likely member of Public Relations Institute of NZ (PRINZ) or similar, via staff professional membership. SU is also informally linked into the Trans-Tasman business/political network (the co-founders are well-known in Australasian lobbying circles, featuring in discussions with counterparts in Australia) .

24. Sponsorships / Collaborations:

• APEC Summit Collaboration (2021): NZ Customs Service engaged Charles Finny of Saunders Unsworth to moderate the APEC Customs Business Dialogue on 18 June 2021 . This partnership, leveraging Finny’s trade expertise, saw SU facilitating a high-profile international forum (for a nominal fee of NZ$575) to connect government and industry delegates.

• Industry Conferences: SU consultants often appear as speakers or panel moderators at industry events (e.g. ports and shipping conferences, business roundtables). While not explicit sponsors, they contribute their expertise publicly in collaboration with industry groups.

• Media & Academic Collaborations: The firm occasionally provides commentary or data for research. For example, Mark Unsworth contributed insights for a Nuffield agriculture lobbying study in 2014 . Barrie Saunders maintains a public policy blog and engages with academia on lobbying transparency debates .

(No major corporate sponsorships by Saunders Unsworth have been noted; their role is more facilitator than sponsor, often working behind the scenes or in advisory capacities.)

25. Events (Organised by the Organisation):

• Annual Backbencher Party: Saunders Unsworth’s legendary annual networking party at Wellington’s Backbencher pub was for years a fixture on the political calendar . The event – typically held near the end of the Parliamentary year – attracted Cabinet Ministers, MPs from all parties, government staffers, and journalists in a casual setting. Notoriously, the SU party featured no speeches, allowing unstructured mixing of political insiders . (It was paused during the Covid-19 era but was a hallmark of the firm’s influence culture for decades.)

• Client Forums & Private Briefings: SU organises private “meet-and-greet” sessions for clients with MPs and Ministers. For example, arranging a meeting between Hollywood studio executives and government officials, or hosting a briefing where a major company can present to a cross-party group of MPs (done discreetly; details are seldom public).

• Product Launch – MP Guide: Each electoral term, Mark Unsworth produces a comprehensive “Guide to MPs” profiling all Members of Parliament . The launch is not a public event, but distributing this guide to corporate clients and agencies functions as an event of influence (often followed by one-on-one briefings with clients on using the information) .

• Workshops: Occasionally SU runs training sessions for client executives on how to engage with government – essentially coaching events on lobbying tactics (not publicly advertised, conducted as part of client service).

26. Political Donations:

(No significant political donations by Saunders Unsworth as a firm are on record.) The company itself has not been identified in electoral donation disclosures. Mark Unsworth has actually lamented the decline of corporate political donations in NZ, noting that most of his corporate clients “almost none make donations” anymore . In the past, SU-advised companies that did donate would typically give equally to both major parties (and smaller amounts to minor parties), aiming for balance rather than partisan favouritism . Unsworth advocates for corporates to “play their part in democracy” by funding parties (in a transparent way) , but this view hasn’t translated into known direct donations from his own firm. Individual partners’ personal donations, if any, have not been publicised.

27. Controversies:

• “Ego Trip” Email Scandal (2012): In November 2012, Mark Unsworth sent an angry midnight email to Dr. Mike Joy – a scientist who had highlighted NZ’s poor environmental record in the New York Times. Unsworth accused the Massey University ecologist of letting his “ego run riot worldwide” and harming NZ’s tourism brand, labeling Joy and fellow environmentalists “the foot and mouth disease of the tourism industry” who should be “locked up” . The email was leaked (posted by Green Party co-leader Russel Norman), sparking public backlash over the lobbyist’s attempt to silence a critic of industry. Unsworth stood by his remarks, but the incident was widely seen as an overreach – illustrating the aggressive lengths lobbyists may go to defend corporate interests.

• MPs’ Guide Secrecy (2020): It emerged via OIA that Saunders Unsworth sells a pricey “Guide to MPs” (detailing politicians’ backgrounds and personalities) to clients, including state entities. In 2020, the government-owned company Landcorp paid over $1000 for this SU-produced book on MPs . When journalists sought a copy, Landcorp refused, calling it “commercially sensitive” . This raised questions about unequal access to political intelligence – i.e. lobbyists furnishing insider profiles to paying clients (even taxpayer-funded SOEs) that are hidden from the public. Media commentary (RNZ’s Guyon Espiner) and transparency advocates criticized this secretive trade in political information.

• Revolving Door Appointments (2023–25): The appointment of SU partner Charles Finny as Chair of NZ Trade & Enterprise in 2025 drew criticism . Watchdogs flagged a conflict of interest, as Finny is simultaneously a paid lobbyist representing private clients and now helming a government economic agency. This follows earlier controversies about former ministers jumping straight into lobbying roles (e.g. Kris Faafoi’s move, which Finny himself defended) – all highlighting NZ’s lack of cooling-off periods.

• Lobbying Regulation Debate: Saunders Unsworth has been central in debates over lobbying transparency. In 2012, when a Lobbying Disclosure Bill was proposed, SU (and Unsworth personally) were vocal skeptics – the bill was labeled “ill-considered” and failed to pass . This opposition drew criticism from pro-transparency groups. In recent years, Mark Unsworth has softened his stance, saying he would “welcome” client disclosure and a lobbyist register in principle , yet the firm’s behind-closed-doors operations remain controversial in the absence of any mandatory register.

• Public Perception as “Elite Insider”: As the oldest lobbying outfit, Saunders Unsworth is sometimes viewed with suspicion by outsiders. Critics on the left have dubbed it a “right-wing lobbyist outfit” and pointed to its influence over National-led governments . The firm’s close relationships with politicians and officials have occasionally been portrayed negatively in media – for instance, a satirical comment in 2014 noted a Saunders Unsworth lobbyist turning up on a TV panel defending the government during a scandal . While not scandals per se, these illustrate the undercurrent of mistrust or controversy around SU’s pervasive influence in Wellington.

28. Other Information of Note:

• Longevity & Legacy: Saunders Unsworth is widely regarded as “the establishment” lobbying firm in New Zealand . Its own website at one point described it as “New Zealand’s pre-eminent Government Relations and Lobbying Consultancy” . Over 30+ years, it has weathered multiple political eras – from 1990s market reforms to 2020s populist pressures – adapting its strategies but maintaining a dominant presence.

• Voluntary Transparency: Unlike most NZ lobbying firms, Saunders Unsworth voluntarily lists its current and former clients online . By 2023, the list numbered 168 clients . This transparency (unique in NZ’s opaque lobbying scene) is often cited by the firm to counter criticism. Mark Unsworth has noted that “many of [our] current and former clients are listed on the company’s website” as a point of pride . It suggests SU is comfortable revealing whom they represent – at least in general – even as details of specific lobbying campaigns remain secret.

• International Expansion: The firm signaled international ambitions in 2023, announcing an expansion into Europe. “The team at Saunders Unsworth [celebrated] the company’s expansion into Europe and UK. Edinburgh office to open in September,” partner Charles Finny posted on social media . This move to establish a presence in Edinburgh indicates SU is extending its influence beyond NZ, possibly to service Kiwi corporates abroad or foreign clients seeking NZ insight.

• Influence Publications: Beyond the private MP dossiers, SU principals frequently contribute to public discourse. Barrie Saunders blogs on public policy (critiquing government transparency, media, etc.), and Mark Unsworth is often quoted in press commentary on lobbying and politics . SU was referenced in Nicky Hager’s investigative books on power in NZ (e.g. “Secret Power” and “The Hollow Men”), underscoring that it has long been on the radar of journalists examining influence peddling .

• Resilience during Covid: During the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses took wage subsidies. Saunders Unsworth appears to have not claimed the wage subsidy (no record of SU in official subsidy recipient lists). The firm’s work largely continued remotely – evidenced by ongoing OIA correspondence in 2020–21 – as government engagement was still in demand. The lack of subsidy reliance suggests SU remained financially stable through the pandemic, possibly due to retaining its client base (companies sought lobbying help during the crisis for things like inclusion in essential services or economic response policies).

29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: Data Not Found. (There is no public record of “Saunders Unsworth Limited” receiving Covid-19 wage subsidies in 2020 or 2021. The firm likely did not apply for the scheme, indicating it did not experience a qualifying revenue drop or chose not to claim government support.)

Bibliography (Footnotes)

[1] Lobbyists in New Zealand enjoy freedoms unlike most other nations in the developed world, RNZ News, https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/lobbying/486670/lobbyists-in-new-zealand-enjoy-freedoms-unlike-most-other-nations-in-the-developed-world

[2] Saunders Unsworth Limited – New Zealand Business Directory, NZWAO.com, https://www.nzwao.com/companies/saunders-unsworth-limited/

[3] Lobbyists in NZ enjoy freedoms… (continued), RNZ News, ibid. (RNZ OIA investigation), https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/lobbying/486670/lobbyists-in-new-zealand-enjoy-freedoms-… (see RNZ content for client list disclosure)

[4] Meet the lobbyists: New Zealand’s top lobbyists (NZ Herald Premium), NZ Herald, (A. Fisher, 2022), excerpt via Find, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/cool-calm-and-connected-meet-new-zealands-top-lobbyists/56INADNZKM5NERZS6EWVDVIR7M/

[5] Company Hub – Saunders Unsworth Limited, CompanyHub.nz, (Company registry details snippet), https://www.companyhub.nz (company number 508527, NZBN 9429039102775)

[6] Gun-shy corporates no easy touch for political bagmen, NZ Herald, (Adam Bennett, 2008), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/banking-finance/gun-shy-corporates-no-easy-touch-for-political-bagmen/RBRYN45XASKZ266FHVN4IWR6AE/

[7] Charles Finny – NZ Taiwan Business Council (Bio), nztaiwanbc.org.nz, https://www.nztaiwanbc.org.nz/charles-finny

[8] Saunders Unsworth – SourceWatch, SourceWatch.org, https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Saunders_Unsworth (contact details, PO Box, etc.)

[9] Barrie Saunders appointed to Taxpayers’ Union Board, NZ Taxpayers’ Union (Press Release), (20 Sep 2017), https://www.taxpayers.org.nz/barrie_saunders

[10] How well-connected lobbyists ask for – and receive – urgent meetings…, RNZ News (Guyon Espiner), https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/486527/how-well-connected-lobbyists-ask-for-and-receive-urgent-meetings-sensitive-information-and-action-on-law-changes-for-their-corporate-clients

[11] NZ Companies Office – Companies Register Search, companiesoffice.govt.nz, (Search interface for company #508527)

[12] Lobbying firms earning hundreds of thousands from contracts with government agencies, NZ Herald (via RNZ), (RNZ coverage, 2023), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/lobbying-firms-earning-hundreds-of-thousands-from-contracts-with-government-agencies/434LIPCGVRHGPFSZBMFTHQKSUQ/

[13] Official Information Act Response – Commerce Commission engagement with lobbyists, Commerce Commission (OIA release), (15 Dec 2022), https://comcom.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/302012/OIA-22.083-Commerce-Commission-engagement-with-lobbyists-15-December-2022.pdf

[14] Executive Government – New Chair appointed to NZTE, Beehive.govt.nz (Hon Todd McClay), (11 Mar 2025), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-chair-appointed-nzte

[15] LinkedIn – Saunders Unsworth company page, LinkedIn.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/saunders-unsworth

[16] Commerce Commission OIA – Appendix (Lobbyist meetings), Commerce Commission OIA, (2022, Finny & Murray meetings with ComCom), ibid. (see OIA document for dates and attendees)

[17] NZ Herald – Lobbyists profile (cont.), NZ Herald Premium, (A. Fisher, 2022), ibid. (quotes from Mark Unsworth, Neale Jones, etc.)

[18] NZ Herald find: “Mark Unsworth… many current and former clients are listed on website”, NZ Herald, ibid. (Mark Unsworth quote on client list transparency)

[19] NZ Herald – “Saunders Unsworth – The establishment”, NZ Herald Premium, (A. Fisher, 2022), ibid. (history of firm, quotes about Backbencher party, partners list)

[20] RNZ/NZ Herald – Lobbying firms and public contracts, NZ Herald, (RNZ reporting 2023), ibid. (Thompson Lewis contracts, Landcorp $1000 book reference)

[21] NZ Herald find: Landcorp paid >$1000 for SU book, NZ Herald, ibid. (Landcorp $1000 for MPs guide, commercially sensitive claim)

[22] NZ Herald – Landcorp paid $1000 for MP profiles (from RNZ investigation), NZ Herald, ibid. (lines 587-593 of RNZ content: Landcorp, SU book)

[23] RNZ – Transparency International NZ on lobbying, RNZ News, ibid. (TI-NZ quote on “absence of oversight glaring”)

[24] BreakingViews – Bryce Edwards: lobbying reforms crossroads, BreakingViews (blog), (14 June 2024), https://breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2024/06/dr-bryce-edwards-govts-lobbying-reforms.html (discussion of $250k to stop policy, lobbyist earnings)

[25] BizDb – Saunders Unsworth Limited business information, BizDb.co.nz, https://www.bizdb.co.nz/company/9429039102775/ (company reg details, shareholder list, directors, addresses)

[26] BizDb find: Shareholder allocations (Unsworth, Finny, Sowry, Murray), BizDb.co.nz, ibid. (3750 shares each, confirming equal shareholding)

[27] Kompass Directory – Saunders Unsworth, Kompass NZ, (entry snippet: business consultants, management, “pre-eminent Government Relations and Lobbying Consultancy”), https://nz.kompass.com/c/saunders-unsworth-limited/nz007499/ (note: service description)

[28] Mike Joy email saga – “Lobbyist stands by ‘ego trip’ email”, NZ Herald, (22 Nov 2012), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/lobbyist-stands-by-ego-trip-email/FXPFKO7PW2SFCDJ5NY47T37U3E/ (Unsworth vs Joy details)

[29] OIA Custom Release – Customs engagement with lobbying firms, NZ Customs (OIA), (2023 release), https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/oia/customs-engagment-with-lobbying-firms.pdf (Finny moderated APEC Customs Business Dialogue June 2021, paid $575)

[30] Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: “$250,000 will stop anything a govt wants to do”, NZ Herald, (13 Jun 2024), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-political-roundup-lobbyist-says-250000-will-stop-anything-a-government-wants-to-do/JWWAAG3MJREEVMQTRYWRHY5TY4/ (headline and key points from Bryce Edwards on lobbying power)

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