Lobbying firm Capital shuffles to the right after NZ's centre-right turn

Lobbying firm Capital shuffles to the right after NZ's centre-right turn
Centre-right commentator Ben Thomas will head lobbying efforts for government relations and communications agency Capital. (Image: NZME)
Dileepa Fonseka
The government relations and communications firm, headlined by Jacinda Ardern’s former chief of staff, has elevated a centre-right commentator to head its government work and brought a former New Zealand First MP into the tent. Former National party press secretary Ben Thomas, a current director of the company, will head up government relations work for Capital, while former NZ First MP Fletcher Tabuteau will also serve as a director of the company. Thomas was a campaign advisor on Wayne Brown’s Auckland mayoral campaign i...

More Politics

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development
Policy

Govt shifting consent priorities towards development

The Government said it was releasing three discussion documents on the changes.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025
Calls for rail workforce plan
Infrastructure

Calls for rail workforce plan

More than one in four workers are expected to retire in the next decade.

Oliver Lewis 29 May 2025
Peters reshapes KiwiRail board with chair, deputy appointments
Infrastructure

Peters reshapes KiwiRail board with chair, deputy appointments

Former Mainfreight and NZ Post director Sue Tindal will chair the rail company.

Oliver Lewis 28 May 2025
NZTA appears to deviate from four-lane highway directive
Policy

NZTA appears to deviate from four-lane highway directive

NZTA proposes reduced scope highway designs, infuriating Horowhenua locals. 

Oliver Lewis 28 May 2025