Silvereye Communications
1. Business / Trading Name: Silvereye Communications Limited (trading as “Silvereye”).
2. Company Number: 2139139 (NZ Companies Office registration number).
3. NZBN: 9429032712667 (New Zealand Business Number).
4. Entity Type: NZ Limited Company (privately held consultancy).
5. Business Classification: Public relations, government relations & strategic communications consultancy. Activities include management consulting, government lobbying & advocacy, public relations, media relations, and strategic marketing communications.
6. Industry Category: Government Relations and Public Relations Services. Silvereye operates in the professional services sector, focusing on public affairs/lobbying and communications.
7. Year Founded: 2008. (Co-founded in 2008 by Jo Coughlan after operating as “Coughlan Communications” since 2004. LinkedIn cites 2007 as the founding year, likely reflecting early operations.)
8. Addresses:
• Current Office: Level 3, 85 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand (Wellington CBD).
• Former Office: Level 1 (and 3), 85 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 (prior location, also listed as 181 Cuba St, Te Aro – the building’s alternate address).
• Postal Address: PO Box 8066, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
• Registered Office (at incorporation): c/o Hudson Taylor Chartered Accountants Ltd, Level 3, 44 Victoria Street, Wellington. (The registered and service addresses have since been updated to the Wellington office.)
9. Website URL: https://www.silvereye.co.nz (formerly silvereyecomms.co.nz which now redirects).
10. LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silvereye-communications (LinkedIn page “Silvereye – Government Relations Services, Wellington”).
11. Company Hub NZ URL:
https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429032712667
12. NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/2139139?backurl=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEXLuwrCQBCF4adx21zUhBSD2GhhCsG8wJAddSF7cWai5O2NGLH7zwcnS3gjyfroEwY3lxByf989YJU3zaZs8nVZF2VV1YaCOp26KZHAvm2XfVHUUY4cx%2FRlF%2FrI6cDRw9JdBIPWMon83wucaHpFtmBEkRVyMzjvFIqtkeuM9vN8YujJnjHQAMojGR8twc%2FfpwVkUMIAAAA%3D
13. Social Media URLs:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvereyecomms (Silvereye Communications page).
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/SE_Comms (handle @SE_Comms).
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silvereye-communications.
• YouTube: Silvereye Communications channel (for media releases – e.g., hosts client videos).
(Silvereye and its staff also engage on Instagram and other platforms for promotional content.)
14. Ultimate Holding Company: None – no parent company (independently owned). (Silvereye Communications Ltd is not part of a larger corporate group.)
15. Key Shareholders: Johanna “Jo” Coughlan (Managing Director) – 100% shareholding as of 2014.
16. Leadership: (Key executives and directors)
Jo Coughlan, Managing Director (CEO)
Background: Co-founder; 20+ years in PR; former Press Secretary to Deputy PM Don McKinnon: former Wellington City Councillor (2007–2016).
Conor English, Director
Background: Joined leadership circa 2014–2018; former CEO of Federated Farmers NZ: ex-Advisor in government (Press Sec to a Cabinet Minister): brother of former PM Bill English.
17. Staff: (Selected current staff as of 2023 – small team of ~5–10 consultants)
• Cathie Bell – Senior Consultant (ex-journalist and former ministerial press secretary: specialist in communications and stakeholder engagement).
• Daniel Riordan – Senior Consultant (communications strategist; background in media/business journalism).
• Graeme Peters – Senior Consultant (experienced in public affairs; former industry association CEO; communications and advocacy expert).
• Aubrey Xu – Senior Account Manager (leads China desk; bilingual communications specialist assisting Chinese clients).
(The team is diverse with global experience, including Chinese language capability for NZ–China business relations. As of 2023, LinkedIn lists ~23 employees including part-timers.)
18. Staff with Previous Government Roles: Several Silvereye personnel have held roles in government or politics (“revolving door” staff):
• Jo Coughlan – Former Press Secretary to NZ’s Deputy PM/Foreign Minister (Hon. Don McKinnon): served 9 years as an elected Wellington City Councillor (including Economic portfolio chair).
• Conor English – Former press and private secretary to a Cabinet Minister: advisor to the Reserve Bank of NZ: brother of ex-PM Bill English.
• Cathie Bell – Former Press Secretary in government (Press Sec to Hon. Jim Sutton, Minister of Agriculture, and Hon. Jim Anderton).
• David Broome – (Senior Consultant in 2019–2020) Former Chief of Staff to Deputy PM Winston Peters (NZ First leader). (He joined Silvereye after leaving Parliament.)
(These roles highlight Silvereye’s close connections to political institutions and expertise in navigating government.)
19. Past Employees: Notable former staff and associates include:
• Bridget Abernethy – Co-founder and former Director (2008–2014). She was 50% owner alongside Coughlan. Left Silvereye in 2014; later became CEO of the Electricity Retailers’ Association (ERANZ).
• Libby English-Lyon – Communications Consultant (Contractor in 2016). She is a member of the English family (the surname suggests a relation to Conor/Bill English); worked on Silvereye projects including as Beijing correspondent for the firm’s blog.
• David Broome – Senior Consultant (circa 2019–2020). Former NZ First Chief of Staff, he was brought in for his government relations expertise. (No longer listed on the team by 2023.)
• Hannah English – Business Manager (circa 2018–2020). Believed to be part of the extended English family; involved in operations and stakeholder management.
(These departures reflect Silvereye’s early partnership changes and its practice of employing politically-connected individuals on specific projects.)
20. Clients (Historical & Contemporary): Silvereye’s client roster spans public and private sectors (NZ and international). Known clients and engagements include:
• Lanaco – Auckland-based wool air filter technology company. Silvereye handled PR for Lanaco’s major deal with Unilever’s Blueair, publicly announcing the partnership.
• Cloud Ocean Water – Chinese-owned water bottling company in Christchurch. Silvereye worked with Cloud Ocean “to tell the NZ water bottling story” amid public controversy.
• Bank of China (NZ) Ltd – Silvereye helped BOC NZ organize delegations of NZ businesses to the China International Import Expo, reflecting its China-business focus.
• New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust (NZCLW) – Silvereye (under Jo Coughlan’s leadership) manages the annual NZ Chinese Language Week campaign. (Jo Coughlan chairs the NZCLW Trust, and Silvereye coordinates events, sponsored by Chinese and NZ entities.)
• Government & Public Sector: Silvereye’s early portfolio included NZ Post, EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority), Ministry of Education, etc., via Coughlan’s prior consultancy. It continues to take on government projects or campaigns on a contract basis (e.g. regional waste management promotions).
• Others: Various NZ export businesses and industry groups (e.g. Baker No-Tillage – agriculture tech: NZ Esports Federation – Conor English is a director, Silvereye promoted the inaugural e-sports “E Blacks” team: NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport – Silvereye publicized its development with government support). The firm also lists clients in finance, health, infrastructure, and not-for-profit sectors.
(Silvereye does not publicly disclose a full client list. Its engagements often come to light through press releases or campaign acknowledgments. The above are known examples from media and Silvereye’s own communications.)
21. Industries/Sectors Represented: Silvereye’s client base and projects span multiple industries: Technology and Innovation (IT sector alliances, tech firms like Lanaco): Primary Industries & Environmental (agribusiness, water resources): Finance and Investment (Bank of China, investor relations): Education and Training (education trusts, training organizations): Government and Public Sector (policy advocacy, state agencies): Infrastructure and Urban Development (e.g. NZCIS sports campus, waste management initiatives): Cultural and International Business (facilitating NZ–China business and cultural exchanges). The firm works across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, often focusing on highly regulated industries where government relations are critical.
22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Silvereye has occasionally appeared in public records related to lobbying/advocacy:
• It has made submissions and deputations on behalf of clients to government bodies. For example, in 2011 Silvereye sought a deputation before an Auckland Council committee on behalf of a collective of local boards (re: Auckland spatial plan).
• Parliamentary Engagements: No formal lobbyist register exists in NZ, but Silvereye’s principals interact with MPs through forums like the NZ Business & Parliament Trust and industry seminars. Jo Coughlan and Conor English have been guest speakers in Parliament-adjacent events (e.g. CoLab Conference for co-ops, Parliamentary breakfast briefings). Silvereye’s own “Election Series” events have brought politicians and clients together (e.g. 2020 election panels led by Silvereye).
• Official Information Disclosures: An official Wellington City Council report disclosed Silvereye’s financial dealing with the Council (venue hire) and noted Coughlan’s interest. No other direct government contract payments to Silvereye have been identified in public records (the firm primarily represents private clients rather than contracting to government).
• Press Releases and Media: Silvereye often publicizes its advocacy through press releases on Scoop and other newswires, explicitly on behalf of clients. (For instance, Silvereye-issued releases in 2011 promoted an environmental initiative in Waikato on behalf of a council collective.)
Overall, much of Silvereye’s lobbying activity is indirect or behind-the-scenes; unlike some larger firms, it has not had to publicly register lobbyist contacts, so engagements are revealed mostly when the firm or client chooses to announce them.
23. Affiliations: Silvereye and its leaders are affiliated with several industry and political networks:
• NZ Business and Parliament Trust (NZBPT): Silvereye Communications Ltd is a Corporate Member of NZBPT, joining a roster of major companies supporting dialogue between business and MPs. (Jo Coughlan serves as a Trustee Council member of NZBPT as well.) The Trust facilitates informal networking between MPs and corporate members, giving Silvereye access to Parliamentarians in “educational” settings.
• Public Relations Institute of NZ (PRINZ): The firm participates in PRINZ and its awards (won a Silver award in 2024). Key staff are likely PRINZ members, adhering to its code of ethics.
• Aspen Institute New Zealand: Jo Coughlan is involved with the Aspen Institute NZ (listed as a member of the “Team”) – a forum for leadership and policy discussions.
• Wellington Chamber of Commerce: (Implied) Silvereye engages in Wellington business circles; Jo Coughlan’s role as Economic Portfolio lead on Council built ties with the Chamber and Wellington business community.
• Life Education Trust & Community Orgs: Jo’s long-standing involvement as Life Education Trust chair and other community roles ties Silvereye to philanthropic and community networks.
• Family/Political Networks: Through Conor English, the firm is informally linked to the National Party network (via the English family). This provides an affiliation of influence, though not an official organization membership.
• Media Partnerships: Silvereye partners with a Chinese-language media/PR partner for outreach to Chinese audiences. It also collaborates with international consultants as needed for client projects.
24. Sponsorships / Collaborations: Silvereye has sponsored or co-organized various initiatives, especially those aligned with its clients’ interests:
• It effectively sponsors the NZ Chinese Language Week (as the campaign’s managing agency), collaborating with Chinese business sponsors and government agencies to run the annual event.
• “Silvereye Series” Events: The firm hosts the Silvereye Series – panel discussions and speaker events (often free for invitees) on policy/business topics, effectively sponsoring a forum for clients and stakeholders. For example, the 2025 Silvereye Series featured China business expert David Mahon as a guest speaker.
• Community Sponsorship: Silvereye has supported Life Education Trust events and other community causes tied to Jo Coughlan’s charitable work (providing pro bono PR support).
• Collaborations: The firm works “in association with” various partners for client delivery. On its website it credits partner firms (e.g. design, media buying, or international affiliates) in delivering for clients. For instance, it collaborates with a Chinese PR agency to service Chinese clients. It also teamed up with other consultants to run campaigns such as the “China Ready” business programme and tech sector showcases (with NZTech).
(No major external sponsorships by Silvereye (e.g. of public events or sports teams) are documented; its sponsorships are focused on industry/policy events that double as client engagements.)
25. Events (Organised by Silvereye): Silvereye regularly organises events to facilitate networking and thought leadership, often around election cycles and policy issues:
• Silvereye Election Series: In election years, Silvereye has hosted panels and seminars connecting clients with political commentators and ex-politicians. (In 2020, the “Silvereye Election Series” featured discussions on campaign issues, as noted by staff on LinkedIn.)
• Silvereye Breakfast Forums: Informal breakfast meetings bringing ministers or experts to speak to invited business leaders (leveraging Jo and Conor’s contacts).
• Issue Webinars and Workshops: The firm has held client-only webinars on navigating government processes (e.g. how to make effective select committee submissions, media training for crisis communications).
• NZ Chinese Language Week Events: Each year, Silvereye helps organize and run the NZCLW launch and related community events (cultural performances, school competitions, etc.), often involving political figures as guests.
• Industry Events: As NZBPT members, Silvereye participates in MP study programmes – in 2022 it helped host MPs for a “business study” day in Wellington, effectively an event to showcase client sectors (this is in line with NZBPT’s mission).
• Celebratory Functions: The firm marked its own “decade in business” with an event at The Backbencher pub in Wellington in 2019, attended by clients, staff, and officials – doubling as a networking opportunity.
(These events underscore Silvereye’s role as a convener of business-government dialogue in informal settings.)
26. Political Donations: No known direct political donations by Silvereye Communications Ltd are recorded in Electoral Commission filings (as of latest disclosures). Neither the company nor Jo Coughlan appear among major donors to political parties in NZ. Jo Coughlan’s 2016 mayoral campaign donations were separately declared per local election law (her campaign was supported by private donors, not the company). Conor English and Jo Coughlan are politically connected but not publicly listed as significant party donors. (It is possible minor donations were made below public disclosure thresholds, or through third-parties, but no evidence is published. Silvereye tends to wield influence via lobbying rather than direct political contributions.)
27. Controversies: Silvereye Communications has largely operated under the radar, but a few points of contention have arisen:
• COVID-19 Wage Subsidy: There was minor public scrutiny of PR/lobbying firms claiming the 2020 wage subsidy. Silvereye’s name did not surface in media reports of controversy (unlike some competitors). It’s unconfirmed if Silvereye claimed subsidies (no public data found), but any such claim could invite criticism given the firm’s elite client base. (We mark this as “Data Not Found,” indicating no controversy caught public attention here.)
Overall, Silvereye has avoided major scandal; any controversy tends to revolve around potential conflicts of interest and the opaque nature of its lobbying activities, rather than overt misconduct.
28. Other Information of Note:
• “Revolving Door” Talent: Silvereye exemplifies the revolving door between government and lobbying. Its recruitment of ex-political staff (and family of politicians) is notable in New Zealand’s lobbying landscape. This boosts the firm’s influence but also underscores calls for greater transparency.
• Awards & Recognition: The firm was a Finalist for Best New Business (Wellington Her Business Awards 2009) and a Finalist in the 2018 Wellington Export Awards for its services supporting NZ exporters. In 2024, Silvereye won a Silver PRINZ Award for excellence in public relations, reflecting peer recognition of its campaign work.
• Evolution of Ownership: Co-founder Bridget Abernethy’s departure in 2014 left Jo Coughlan as the primary owner. Conor English’s involvement grew thereafter, informally making it a family-run consultancy. This evolution coincided with an increased focus on government relations (leveraging Conor’s expertise and connections).
• Company Status (Register): Silvereye Communications Ltd was the subject of a removal notice in mid-2023 for failing to file annual returns. However, it appears the company resolved the compliance issue, as its status remained “Registered” as of late 2023. The firm continues to operate under the same name and NZBN.
• Subsidiaries and Related Entities: Silvereye Communications does not have known subsidiaries. (Other similarly named companies like “Silvereye Consultancy Ltd” or “Silvereye Holdings Ltd” are unrelated entities.) Silvereye’s focus remains on its boutique operations in Wellington, though it partners with external consultants for specific projects as needed.
• Public Image: The company promotes a motto of “Connect. Engage. Influence.” It markets itself as “New Zealand’s premier… Government relations and strategic communications consultancy”. The firm’s branding leans on its Wellington location (“knowing how government works”) and its award-winning track record.
• Jo Coughlan’s Public Roles: Outside Silvereye, Jo Coughlan is known for having run for Mayor of Wellington in 2016 (placing as a prominent candidate) and for board roles (e.g. director of DairyNZ, QV Ltd). These public-facing roles add to Silvereye’s profile and networks (but also require careful management of potential conflicts).
29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: Data Not Found. No public record confirms Silvereye Communications Limited receiving the COVID-19 wage subsidy in 2020–21. The firm is not listed among notable recipients in official disclosures or media reports. If Silvereye did apply, it was not publicized, and any subsidy was likely modest (given its small size) and uncontroversial. (This absence of information suggests either that Silvereye did not take the subsidy, or it did so below the radar – in contrast to some larger PR firms that drew media attention for subsidy claims.)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz