- Engage
- Posts
- Engage-in-Brief: 10 February 2025
Engage-in-Brief: 10 February 2025
Holly Bennett
February 10, 2025
A free fortnightly 5-minute read to make advocacy simple
7 people upskilled their advocacy this fortnight
Read this newsletter on LinkedIn
TWO TRICKS TO TRY
There’s more to lobbying the Government than just talking to MPs and writing to Select Committees. The Government consults on a huge variety of subjects, and you can have your say on them. Most Ministries’ websites include a “have your say” section, and most consultations are listed on the Government’s central webpage too. Participate in a consultation, then let us know how it went!
Nobody can see the future, but you can get a pretty good idea of what’s coming up in Parliament if you pay attention. Check out the list of Bills awaiting their first reading, and you’ll know what to expect in the sitting weeks ahead. Is one particularly relevant to you? Consider following along as it works through the legislative process. Watch the first reading on Parliament TV and make a submission when it goes to Select Committee!
.
ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW
The first sitting day of the year brought with it the debate on the Prime Minister’s Statement. At the beginning of each parliamentary year, the Prime Minister makes a speech setting out the Government’s priorities for the year, and then all parties in Parliament have the opportunity to speak in response.
But did you know that the Prime Minister’s Statement, and the speech given by the Prime Minister in the House at the beginning of the debate are not the same?
While the speech given in the House is a bit more dynamic, the written version of the statement is more in-depth and detailed.
Why is that useful? The full statement includes statistics, targets, policy details, and more — and one of the most important things you can do when advocating for your cause is to work out how it aligns with Government priorities.
Knowing what the Government wants to achieve lets you tailor your messaging to show how what you want will help achieve what the Government wants.
.
 |  |
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Kei te aha a Pāremata | What’s on at Parliament
Want to know what’s going on in the House each week? With everything you need to know about bills, committee meetings, and submission opportunities, Kei te aha a Pāremata (What’s on at Parliament) published by Awhi, is your weekly preview of what's going on at Parliament — arriving direct to your inbox the Monday of every sitting week. Click here to sign up.
FROM OUR TAUIRA
The LOBBYLITE course contains critical information about how to influence government thinking and direction that affects you, your business, your lifestyle, or your vocation. Having your voice heard is essential and LOBBYLITE taught us who to reach out to, who to canvass, which party or parties to talk to, when to start doing this, and how...in theory and with a practical session where you literally start planning your first lobbying!
ONE FUNNY THING
When answering the question "What do MPs do in their constituency?" the UK Parliament website had this to say: "In their constituency, MPs often hold a 'surgery' in their office, where local people can come along to discuss any matters that concern them." While the term 'surgery' here may be being used interchangeably with 'clinic' the thought of a local MP holding a scalpel definitely instills fear, rather than hope!
Remember, you have a voice and you can use it. If you need training to support your advocacy efforts simply reply to this email. And if you try out one of this week’s tricks, let us know about it!
Mauri Ora!
Reply