Summarised by Centrist
Political commentator Bryce Edwards discusses the surprise collapse of once prominent lobbying-PR firm SenateSHJ. He says that, generally speaking, people don’t like lobbyists and many see it as a win for democracy.
Edwards breaks down the conflicts of interest plaguing Wellington lobbyists. Tracey Bridges, a founding partner at SenateSHJ, worked part-time as a spin-doctor in former PM Jacinda Ardern’s Beehive office while maintaining business clients and providing political commentary on RNZ without disclosing her Labour ties.
Edwards writes: “This practice of ‘wearing different hats,’ i.e., having different business-PR-consultancy roles, is intrinsic to the SenateSHJ model. However, many other lobbying firms in Wellington also practice it, as it helps create networks of power and influence.”
Edwards criticises New Zealand’s lack of stringent regulations compared to other countries, allowing the industry to operate unchecked, often with the help of ministers and Beehive staff.
He also attributes SenateSHJ’s downfall to the trend of hyper-partisan lobbying, with firms increasingly aligning with one side of the political spectrum.
Edwards writes that Neale Jones, former Chief of Staff for Jacinda Ardern, exemplifies this shift. Jones moved from his government role to lobbying for corporate clients seeking influence almost overnight.
