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

What now for RBNZ govt appointment
Finance

What now for RBNZ govt appointment

The aftermath of RBNZ chair Quigley's resignation. 

Dileepa Fonseka 29 Aug 2025
Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley resigns
Economy

Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley resigns

Quigley had come under pressure in recent days.

Staff reporters 29 Aug 2025
Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out
Policy

Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out

Ferry Holdings only has a mandate to look at Picton, Winston Peters tells backers.

Oliver Lewis 26 Aug 2025
Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters
Policy

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters

“We are paying 50-60% more to get our freight to India.” 

Oliver Lewis 25 Aug 2025