Barrie Saunders On Lobbying

Barrie Saunders, New Zealand's foremost lobbyist, has good advice for businesses on page 18 of the NBR on the need to be well plugged into the political process - not just from a risk management perspective but also a regulatory opportunity perspective. He says that this is a bottom line issue. He suggests a three point strategy for businesses:

• Have a continuing programme of contact with key politicians, advisers, department officials and lik minded thinkers in business;


• Have credible policy positions;


• Be able to read the shifting sands in Wellington and respond to changes.

Barrie raises important questions about the effectiveness of sector organisations also "at risk business should not rely solely on their industry organisation".