Why do so many former politicians land cushy top jobs – while ordinary Kiwis struggle to get a fair go? Political cronyism is the reason, and it’s alive and well in New Zealand. The harsh truth is that our political system often serves vested interests rather than the public good. The result? A system rigged in favour of insiders, leaving the rest of us worse off. It undermines trust, weakens public services, and entrenches inequality. This explainer breaks down what cronyism is, how it manifests in New Zealand (the notorious “jobs for mates” culture), and why it matters to you. We’ll also expose recent examples – from blatant political appointments to the revolving door between government and big business – that show how merit gets sidelined by loyalty. Finally, we’ll outline how The Integrity Institute is fighting back, and what can be done to clean up this rigged system. What is Political Cronyism? Political cronyism is favouritism by those in power toward their friends, allies, or “mates.” Instead of choosing people based on merit or qualifications, politicians give out jobs, public appointments, contracts or perks to those in their inner circle. In plain terms, it’s the “jobs for the boys”...