Bryce Edwards: “Unfettered lobbyist access to Beehive should be scrutinised.” Newsroom, 20 November 2017.
URL: https://newsroom.co.nz/2017/11/20/bryce-edwards-unfettered-lobbyists-under-suspicion/
Summary: This early column raises concerns about the implications of lobbyists’ unrestricted access to ministers and government, particularly how it could undermine the agenda and accountability of the then-new Labour-led government. It highlights the increased demand for lobbyists during government transitions and the rising public suspicion about their influence on democratic processes.
Bryce Edwards: “The rise of the hyper-partisan lobbyists in Wellington”. NZ Herald, 20 November 2017
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2017/11/20/political-roundup-the-rise-of-the-hyper-partisan-lobbyists-in-wellington/
Summary: Examines Neale Jones’s swift transition from Jacinda Ardern’s Chief of Staff to director of Australian lobbying firm Hawker Britton. Discusses the emergence of “hyper-partisan” lobbying firms that align exclusively with one side of politics, unlike traditional firms that remained non-partisan. Highlights New Zealand’s lack of “cooling off” period regulations that exist in other democracies.
Bryce Edwards: “The Government’s revolving door for lobbyists”. 20 February 2018.
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/political-roundup-the-governments-revolving-door-for-lobbyists/2U5HK2DGG2JBYS4W44R3XMOP7E/
Summary: Focuses on Gordon Jon Thompson, who worked as Jacinda Ardern’s acting Chief of Staff while maintaining his lobbying business, then returned directly to lobbying after four months. Also covers Wayne Eagleson’s transition from Bill English’s Chief of Staff to lobbying. Argues this “revolving door” creates conflicts of interest and calls for cooling-off periods like those in other countries.
Bryce Edwards: “More light on revolving door lobbyists”. Newsroom, 22 February 2018
URL: https://newsroom.co.nz/2018/02/22/opinion-why-we-should-know-more-about-our-revolving-door-lobbyists/
Summary: Argues that lobbyists operate with little public scrutiny by design, working behind the scenes to influence government for well-resourced interests. Discusses why lobbying receives limited media coverage, partly due to symbiotic relationships between journalists and PR professionals. Uses Thompson’s case to illustrate how government experience significantly enhances a lobbyist’s value.
Bryce Edwards: “Be transparent about pundits’ conflicts of interest”. Newsroom, 4 March 2018
URL: https://newsroom.co.nz/2018/03/04/the-conflicting-interests-of-commentators/
Summary: This article advocates for greater transparency regarding the potential conflicts of interest of political commentators and pundits. Edwards points out that many commentators have affiliations or work for lobbying firms, public relations companies, or other organizations with vested interests in the political discourse they are analyzing. He argues that audiences deserve to know about these connections to better evaluate the objectivity and potential biases in their commentary.
Bryce Edwards: “An unprotected and risky revolving door”. Newsroom, 1 April 2018
URL: https://newsroom.co.nz/2018/04/01/an-unprotected-and-risky-revolving-door/
Summary: Edwards continues to explore the theme of the “revolving door” between government and lobbying roles, labeling it as “unprotected and risky.” The article likely delves into the lack of regulation or cooling-off periods for former ministers, political staffers, and public servants transitioning into lobbying. It emphasizes the potential for cronyism, privileged access, and policy capture by special interests, arguing that this unregulated environment poses risks to New Zealand’s political integrity.
Bryce Edwards: “The role of corporate lobbying in NZ’s political process”. NZ Herald 4 March 2019
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/political-roundup-the-role-of-corporate-lobbying-in-nzs-political-process/4LMRY7KLKNFOOGBVV5J3CH26FY/
Summary: This article examines the influence and mechanisms of corporate lobbying within New Zealand’s political system. It likely discusses how businesses and industry groups attempt to shape policy and legislation to their benefit. The piece may explore the various tactics used by corporate lobbyists, the resources at their disposal, and the implications of their influence on democratic processes and public interest.
Bryce Edwards: “Should we worry about lobbyists’ influence on the Government?” NZ Herald, 27 May 2019
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2019/05/27/bryce-edwards-should-we-worry-about-lobbyists-influence-on-the-government/
Summary: This article poses the question of whether the influence exerted by lobbyists on the New Zealand Government is a cause for concern. It likely explores the arguments for and against lobbying, weighing the democratic right to advocate against the potential for undue influence, policy capture by wealthy or well-connected interests, and a lack of transparency. The piece probably calls for a public discussion on the appropriate level of influence lobbyists should have.
Bryce Edwards: “Have corporate lobbyists been running this government?” NZ Herald, 20 June 2019
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2019/06/20/bryce-edwards-have-corporate-lobbyists-been-running-this-government/
Summary: This provocative piece questions the extent to which corporate lobbyists might be dictating government policy. Edwards likely presents observations or evidence suggesting that corporate interests have a significant, perhaps excessive, impact on decision-making. The article probably scrutinizes the relationship between lobbyists, corporations, and the government, raising concerns about whether the public good is being overshadowed by private, commercial agendas.
Bryce Edwards: “Vested interests in New Zealand politics are too big to ignore – we need a royal commission”. Guardian, 19 February 2020
URL: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/feb/19/vested-interests-in-new-zealand-politics-are-too-big-to-ignore-we-need-a-royal-commission
Summary: In this opinion piece for The Guardian, Bryce Edwards argues that the influence of vested interests in New Zealand politics has become so significant that it warrants a royal commission. He contends that issues like lobbying, party funding, and the “revolving door” are not being adequately addressed and that a high-level inquiry is needed to investigate these matters thoroughly and recommend comprehensive reforms to safeguard the integrity of the political system.
Bryce Edwards: “NZ’s latest political lobbying problems.” 19 February 2020.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2020/02/19/bryce-edwards-nzs-latest-political-lobbying-problems/
Summary: This article examines several contemporary lobbying issues, including the NZ First donations scandal and the involvement of lobbyists. It discusses potential conflicts of interest, such as lobbyists also being party fundraisers, and broader scandals within the Labour-led government involving lobbyists in advisory roles without adequate disclosure or regulation, contrasting New Zealand’s lax environment with stricter US rules.
Bryce Edwards: “The Government–lobbying revolving door.” NZ Herald, 13 November 2021.
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-the-government-lobbying-revolving-door-just-keeps-on-turning/OK2TRISU6A2LAURUIC2KQKXX2Q/
Summary: Focusing on specific instances of the “revolving door,” where political insiders transition into lobbying roles, this piece discusses the public’s growing unease with this trend. It highlights cases like Tory Whanau and Neale Jones, criticizes the lack of regulation and “cooling-off” periods in New Zealand, and calls for restrictions on this practice.
Bryce Edwards: “Faafoi’s lobbying position should be illegal.” 8 October 2022.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/186962_political-roundup-faafoi-s-lobbying-position-should-be-illegal
Summary: This article critically examines the move of former minister Kris Faafoi into a lobbying role shortly after leaving office. It argues that such transitions, enabled by New Zealand’s absence of mandatory cooling-off periods, should be prohibited to maintain public trust and prevent potential conflicts of interest.
Bryce Edwards: “Lobbyists use the revolving door into mayoral offices.” 18 October 2022.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2022/10/18/bryce-edwards-lobbyists-use-the-revolving-door-into-mayoral-offices/
Summary: This piece extends the discussion of the “revolving door” phenomenon beyond central government to New Zealand’s mayoral offices. It presents case studies, such as Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, highlighting how individuals with lobbying backgrounds or connections are assuming influential roles in local government, often without sufficient scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. The article calls for greater transparency regarding corporate connections in mayoral offices.
Bryce Edwards: “Momentum growing to reform lobbying laws.” 15 November 2022.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2022/11/15/bryce-edwards-momentum-growing-to-reform-lobbying-laws/
Summary: This article notes the increasing support from various quarters, including Transparency International NZ and even some within the lobbying industry, for the introduction of a lobbying register and other reforms. It highlights the Faafoi case as a catalyst and discusses calls for “cooling-off” periods and a code of conduct, reflecting a pre-2023 election atmosphere where reform seemed plausible.
Bryce Edwards: “Chris Hipkins hires a lobbyist to run the Beehive,” NZ Herald 1 February 2023.
Summary: This piece critiques Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ decision to appoint Andrew Kirton, an individual with a background in corporate lobbying, as his Chief of Staff. It argues this continues a “democratically dangerous precedent” of lobbyists moving into senior government positions, highlighting the immense conflicts of interest and the lack of rules in New Zealand compared to other countries. The article calls for disclosure of lobbyists’ clients if they take on such roles.
Bryce Edwards: “Andrew Kirton’s past experience shines a bright light on lobbyists in politics”. NZ Herald 21 March 2023
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/political-roundup-andrew-kirtons-past-experience-shines-a-bright-light-on-lobbyists-in-politics/CNGGYAFP3NDI5H4KCSIQRZ7U64/
Summary: This article uses the example of Andrew Kirton, a figure with a background in both politics (as a former Labour Party General Secretary) and lobbying, to illustrate the workings and potential issues of the lobbying industry in New Zealand. It examines Kirton’s career path as a case study to discuss the “revolving door,” the access and influence such individuals can wield, and the broader implications for transparency and fairness in politics.
Bryce Edwards: “Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?” 22 March 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/03/22/bryce-edwards-who-will-drain-wellingtons-lobbying-swamp/
Summary: This commentary poses the critical question of which political leaders will take on the task of reforming lobbying practices and addressing cronyism in the capital. It outlines proposed reforms, including cooling-off periods, a lobbying register, codes of conduct for officials and lobbyists, and an independent Integrity Commissioner, emphasizing the need for political will and external pressure for change.
Bryce Edwards: “The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship.” 23 March 2023.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/187458_political-roundup-the-beehive-s-revolving-door-and-corporate-mateship
Summary: This article further explores the problematic “revolving door” between government roles and lobbying firms, emphasizing the close relationships between political insiders and corporate interests. It critiques the lack of regulation that allows these practices, which can undermine public trust and fair decision-making.
Bryce Edwards: “Demands on politicians to regulate lobbying ramp up.” Democracy Project, 3 April 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/04/03/bryce-edwards-demands-on-politicians-to-regulate-lobbying-ramp-up/
Summary: This article describes the surge in public and media pressure on politicians to introduce comprehensive lobbying regulations in New Zealand. It discusses various reform proposals, including an anti-corruption commission, a lobbyist register, and stand-down periods, and highlights specific cases of lobbying influence, contrasting lobbyists’ defenses with public perception of unfair influence.
Bryce Edwards: “Victory for transparency in lobbying reforms.” RNZ, 4 April 2023.
URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/487343/bryce-edwards-victory-for-transparency-in-lobbying-reforms
Summary: This piece provides an overview of initial steps taken by the government in 2023 towards greater lobbying transparency, likely in response to public pressure. These included the abolition of swipe cards for lobbyists and a commitment to review lobbying rules, seen as tentative victories by transparency campaigners, though the substantive impact of immediate reforms was questioned.
Bryce Edwards: “More ex-Labour ministers move into lobbying.” 17 October 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/10/17/bryce-edwards-more-ex-labour-ministers-move-into-lobbying/
Summary: This article highlights the continuing trend of former Labour ministers and government officials transitioning into lobbying roles after the 2023 election. It discusses specific cases like Kiri Allan and Stuart Nash, emphasizing the “revolving door” problem and the potential for conflicts of interest, and underscores the need for the ongoing Ministry of Justice review to address these issues.
Bryce Edwards: “Who’s advising the new National Government?” 19 October 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/10/19/bryce-edwards-whos-advising-the-new-national-government/
Summary: This article scrutinizes the individuals advising the incoming National-led government, particularly those with backgrounds in lobbying and corporate PR. It raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of vested interests in the new administration, citing examples like Wayne Eagleson and Steven Joyce.
Bryce Edwards: “Should government departments be giving contracts to lobbying firms?” 9 November 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/11/09/bryce-edwards-should-government-departments-be-giving-contracts-to-lobbying-firms/
Summary: This piece questions the appropriateness of New Zealand government departments awarding contracts to firms that also engage in lobbying activities. It highlights the case of SenateSHJ and the Commerce Commission, arguing that such arrangements create potential conflicts of interest and could grant private sector clients privileged access to decision-making processes, a practice that would be unacceptable in many other countries.
Bryce Edwards: “Lobbyists helping and influencing the new National government.” 15 November 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/11/15/bryce-edwards-lobbyists-helping-and-influencing-the-new-national-government/
Summary: This article details how corporate lobbyists are positioning themselves to influence the new National-led government. It discusses the involvement of figures like Wayne Eagleson in staffing Beehive offices and the recruitment of politically connected individuals by lobbying firms. The piece also notes the ongoing Ministry of Justice research into lobbying regulation and some promises for reform by National.
Bryce Edwards: “Political donations, Lobbying, Labour Party recovery, the media’s performance, and National’s questionable reforms.” 19 December 2023.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2023/12/19/bryce-edwards-political-donations-lobbying-labour-party-recovery-the-medias-performance-and-nationals-questionable-reforms/
Summary: This comprehensive political roundup touches upon lobbying in the context of political donations and influence, particularly concerning the natural health sector’s relationship with NZ First and the repeal of the Therapeutic Products Act. It also discusses the role of former Prime Minister Bill English, now a consultant involved in lobbying, in reviewing state housing agency Kāinga Ora.
Bryce Edwards: “Christopher Luxon needs to raise standards in the Beehive” NZ Herald, 31 January 2024
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/political-roundup-christopher-luxon-needs-to-raise-standards-in-the-beehive-bryce-edwards/53VUIP5YRNBLTKWQNKXRHUX5VE/
Summary: This article critiques the ethical standards and practices within the Beehive, particularly concerning lobbyists and political integrity. Edwards calls for specific actions or reforms that Luxon’s government could implement to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in political institutions, referencing recent events or ongoing concerns about lobbying and conflicts of interest.
Bryce Edwards: “Lobbying for Waikato’s medical school causing problems for the Govt.” 16 May 2024.
URL: https://democracyproject.nz/2024/05/16/bryce-edwards-lobbying-for-waikatos-medical-school-causing-problems-for-the-govt/
Summary: This article discusses the controversial lobbying efforts, notably by former National Minister Steven Joyce, on behalf of the University of Waikato to secure significant taxpayer funding for a third medical school. It highlights concerns about deal-making, the Auditor-General’s investigation into the university’s hiring of Joyce, and potential coalition government instability over the project.
Bryce Edwards: “What’s behind the Med Student cuts?” 6 June 2024.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/whats-behind-the-med-student-cuts
Summary: This piece likely explores the context and potential influences, including lobbying, surrounding decisions related to medical student intake or funding, possibly linking to the broader debate about the Waikato medical school.
Bryce Edwards: “Lobbyist says $250,000 will stop ‘anything a government wants to do’.” NZ Herald, 13 June 2024.
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bryce-edwards-political-roundup-lobbyist-says-250000-will-stop-anything-a-government-wants-to-do/JWWAAG3MJREEVMQTRYWRHY5TY4/
Summary: This article analyses the state of lobbying regulation efforts in New Zealand as of mid-2024. It highlights a claim about the financial power of lobbying and discusses the faltering voluntary lobbyists’ code and the uncertain political will for mandatory regulations, indicating that the reform process initiated by the Ministry of Justice is at a crossroads.
Bryce Edwards: “The Rise and Fall of a top lobbying PR firm”. 31 July 2024
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/the-rise-and-fall-of-a-top-lobbying
Summary: Analyzes the closure of SenateSHJ, a major lobbying-PR firm that became controversial for conflicts of interest, including being paid over $300,000 by the Commerce Commission while representing clients in the same regulated industries. The firm’s strong ties to Labour made it vulnerable when National took power in 2023. Edwards argues the closure illustrates why lobbying needs better regulation.
Bryce Edwards: “Should a former Act gun lobbyist be in charge of gun control reforms?” 16 August 2024
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/should-a-former-act-gun-lobbyist
Summary: Challenges the appropriateness of appointing a former gun lobbyist to oversee gun reform policies, suggesting conflicts of interest.
Bryce Edwards: “Waikato Med School – National’s zombie ‘pet project’ won’t die.” 4 November 2024.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/political-roundup-waikato-med-school
Summary: This article revisits the controversial Waikato medical school proposal, characterizing it as a persistent “pet project” for the National party, likely fueled by ongoing lobbying efforts despite previous criticisms and concerns about its viability and the processes involved.
Bryce Edwards: “Big tech’s political influence on debate and public watchdogs.” NZ Herald, 16 September 2024.
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/big-techs-political-influence-on-debate-and-public-watchdogs-bryce-edwards-political-roundup/4LBOZ32ZGNFUBOKIN35FYEECDQ/
Summary: This article examines the lobbying efforts of major technology companies in New Zealand and their financial relationships with public watchdogs like Netsafe. It questions whether funding from companies like Meta influences these organizations’ stances on regulations, particularly concerning social media and young people, and highlights examples of big tech’s direct lobbying access to government.
Bryce Edwards: “What business is lobbying government for” NZ Herald, 9 October 2024.
URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/what-business-is-lobbying-government-for-bryce-edwards-political-roundup/JN5ONDVFPRFGVMMRET3NF7FBYQ/
Summary: Analysis of business lobby priorities revealed through the Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom survey.
Bryce Edwards: “The Silent Death of Lobbying Reform in NZ.” 5 March 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-the-silent-death
Summary: An Integrity Briefing column reporting on how a government workstream, promised to address lobbying regulation, was quietly discontinued or shelved, signaling a setback for reform efforts.
Bryce Edwards: “How dairy lobbyists get their way in the Beehive.” 3 April 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-how-dairy-lobbyists
Summary: This piece explains the significant influence the dairy industry wields on policy in New Zealand, exemplified by instances such as a former lobbyist for the sector becoming the minister in charge of that same sector, illustrating deep-rooted connections and effective lobbying strategies.
Bryce Edwards: “Andrew Hoggard’s conflicts of interest and NZ’s culture of complacency.” 4 April 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-andrew-hoggards
Summary: This article investigates a specific case involving a minister (Andrew Hoggard, a former lobbyist) facing questions about potential conflicts of interest due to lobbying activities by a family member within his portfolio responsibilities. It critiques New Zealand’s broader culture of complacency regarding such ethical issues.
Bryce Edwards: “Launching the NZ Lobbying & Influence Register.” The Integrity Institute (Substack), 7 April 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-launching-the
Summary: This piece announces the launch of The Integrity Institute’s independent public register of lobbyists and influencers, a non-governmental initiative aimed at increasing transparency in the absence of official regulation.
Bryce Edwards: “Dirty Politics 2.0? Lobbying in the Shadows” 13 April 2025
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-dirty-politics
Summary: Exposes The Campaign Company (owned by Taxpayers’ Union’s Jordan Williams) as the force behind controversial attack billboards targeting Green MPs. Details how the company specializes in “astroturfing” – creating professionally engineered campaigns disguised as grassroots movements for clients including Groundswell, Hobson’s Pledge, and Big Tobacco. Edwards announces the company’s inclusion in a new public lobbying register to increase transparency.
Bryce Edwards: “Banking lobbyists 1, Justice 0.” 15 April 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-banking-lobbyists
Summary: This column highlights a specific instance of lobbying success, where banking industry lobbyists reportedly influenced the government to retrospectively change legislation in their favour, thereby preventing a potential class-action lawsuit. It serves as a case study of powerful lobbying overriding other interests.
Bryce Edwards: “Lobbying reform battle heats up.” 15 April 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-lobbying-reform
Summary: An analysis of the growing momentum and intensified debate surrounding lobbying reform in New Zealand. It likely notes the efforts of The Integrity Institute and the emergence of new coalitions or prominent figures advocating for regulatory changes.
Bryce Edwards: “Verrall’s Tobacco Bill – a chink of light in the lobbying gloom.” 18 May 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-verralls-tobacco
Summary: This article discusses a specific instance where public-interest legislation, namely Ayesha Verrall’s smokefree measures, managed to advance despite significant lobbying pressure from opposing interests, offering a rare positive example in the context of lobbying influence.
Bryce Edwards: “A case study in the dark arts of lobbying.” The Integrity Institute (Substack), 20 May 2025.
URL: https://theintegrityinstitute.substack.com/p/integrity-briefing-a-case-study-in
Summary: This piece likely presents a detailed case study, for example, concerning the retirement village industry or a similar sector, to illustrate the often hidden and sophisticated tactics employed by lobbyists to influence policy and public opinion.
