The topic of lobbying has been popping up across social media lately, so we thought we’d help break it down in simple terms.
Lobbying affects everyday decisions that shape our lives.
So, what is lobbying?
Lobbying is when a person, company, or organisation tries to influence decision-makers — like politicians or government officials — to support an idea, change a rule, or make a decision that works in their favour.
It’s not always a bad thing. People and groups lobby for good reasons, too — like better housing, climate action, or health equity.
But not all lobbying is equal. Some organisations have more money, connections, or access — and that can tip the scales.
Lobbying in Aotearoa
Aotearoa has no rules around lobbying. Zero.
We are one of the least regulated countries in the developed world when it comes to lobbying.
There are currently no legal requirements for people to:
- Register as a lobbyist
- Disclose who they’re meeting with
- Share what decisions they’re trying to influence
That means a lot of what happens behind the scenes stays hidden — and that can make it harder for everyday New Zealanders to understand how and why certain decisions are made.
Why does this matter for public health?
Lobbying can shape big decisions — like how we regulate things that affect our wellbeing. This means big businesses could have more say than our communities.
Sometimes, decisions around tobacco laws, alcohol, gambling, or nutrition are influenced by voices that have the most resources and not necessarily those who have the best intentions for better health outcomes for our whānau.
It’s important to understand how influence works in our system — and why transparency and fairness matter when it comes to policies that affect our lives.
So what are people asking for?
There’s a growing call across the motu for:
- More transparency in how decisions are made
- A comprehensive code of conduct
- A public register of lobbying activity
- Clearer processes that allow for equal access — especially for those working in health, education, and social services
- A stand down period for people moving between industry lobbying and politics (or vice versa)
- We believe informed communities are strong communities.
And at Hāpai, we’ll continue supporting kaupapa that put whānau wellbeing at the centre.
