We are a youthful, experienced government relations and communications firm that matches organisations with all levels of Aotearoa New Zealand’s political and media ecosystems. We are a non-partisan firm that works to:
If you are looking for a firm that is well connected in the front and back office, will advocate publicly and privately, and is accessible to all kinds of organisations, let’s kōrero.
Holly is a zealous advocate of transparent, accessible government and has a keen interest in the effectiveness of regulatory systems.
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Jesse is an experienced political strategist, with over a decade of experience working on political campaigns.
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Justis is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over a decade of experience across diverse sectors.
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Dave is an experienced communications and engagement professional, and is enthusiastic about making Parliament more accessible and engaging.
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Mikayla is a driven professional with an extensive background in public policy and politics. Her expertise aligns with a dedication to fostering positive change.
Read moreAwhi binds (tātai) different talents (pūmanawa) together for the wellbeing of everyone involved (ora). By acting as the central force that joins these people together, Awhi brings social and economic good to all who choose to engage.
In technical terms, government relations is the process of influencing public and government policy at all levels (local, regional, national and even global). It involves the advocacy of an interest that is affected, actually or potentially, by the decisions of government leaders.
In real terms, it is most commonly seen as getting in front of the Legislature (Members of Parliament), the Executive (Ministers) and Officials (Public Servants) to advocate for support on a kaupapa (issue) or matter.
Essentially, yes. Lobbying, advocacy, government relations, political engagement: they are different terms for the same activity. Effective government relations is actioned through a variety of different mechanisms, at a range of different levels, depending on your kaupapa.
To lobby well is to know how to appropriately leverage a range of engagement opportunities and best land your kaupapa in the eyes of decision makers so they know who you are, what you do, why you’re approaching them, and how you can help them (or how they can help you!).
Knowing what to say when you’re in the room is just as important as getting in the room in the first place.
Government relations advice can be useful to a diverse range of organisations or kaupapa. Government relations support is most commonly used to:
If you need assistance in any of these areas, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Fees vary across the industry. The sector is unregulated, which means that you must take extra care to ensure you are getting value for money.
Awhi operates in line with the Lobbying Principles. We launched these in Paengawhāwhā (April) 2024 and made them freely available to anyone who seeks to influence government, policy or legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand. These principles apply to all Awhi employees and all work carried out by us, for clients.
The Integrity principle includes a commitment to charge a fee that is fair and reasonable. Awhi will always stand behind the quality and professional nature of the services we offer, and client satisfaction is of utmost priority. Further details are outlined in our Terms of Engagement.
Our mission is to make engagement simple. Whether that be political, stakeholder or media engagement, we exist to break down barriers and open up access to traditionally inaccessible processes.
The lobbying industry is infamous for being a tool for those with the deepest pockets; stakeholder engagement is often ad hoc and piecemeal; media engagement can be the same commentators over and over again, regardless of expertise.
Awhi exists to change that. We want these expert services to be something everyone can access; where there is equal opportunity to be heard.
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