About the Advocacy Division

The Advocacy Division delivers submissions and comment to Government, as well as statements of opinion to the media, acting as the voice of business on EMA members' behalf.

The Division also provides a range of other services to manufacturers and exporters.

Making your voice heard through submissions

Through EMA and Business NZ you have a team of experts who will ensure your voice and the voice of New Zealand business is always heard.

A voice in local government
Advocates deliver submissions about councils' draft Annual Plans and draft Long Term Council Community Plans (LTCCPs).

A voice in regional government
Advocates deliver submissions on councils' draft annual and long term strategic plans and on vital infrastructure issues such as transport, water, sewerage and waste management.

A voice in national goverment
We ensure that central government is aware of its impact on business and ensure the voice of business is heard by Cabinet, Parliamentarians and central government agencies whenever it is needed.

Click here for more information on EMA Advocacy submissions.

Making your voice heard through campaigns for change

The EMA's Fix Auckland campaign was launched in mid July 2007 to reform local government in the Auckland region. The campaign produced a website, www.fixauckland.com, to display a proposed One Auckland plan for local governance, to stimulate public debate. Advertisements were placed in newspapers and on radio to raise awareness of the issues and direct people to the site to write their views.

The ultimate aim was to persuade Government to set up a Commmission of Inquiry into Auckland governance and this was indeed announced in late July: a Royal Commission of Inquiry to report recommendations to Government by the end of 2008 - then delayed till March 2009.

Previously EMA's Rev Up campaign gained increased transport funding for the Auckland region.

Having your say through meetings

As a membership organisation we exist to serve you. What you think is important to us. Your input on our policies and submissions is always invited and welcome.

An elected board
As a member you can vote each year, at our Annual General Meeting, for the president and the people you want to represent you on your 15-member governing board.  Click here for a list of board members

Policy Forum

A Policy Forum combines members of the Employers Forum and Manufacturers Forum to debate and develop all the vital issues affecting business and employers each month.

Many of New Zealand's leading business people are members of this forum.  All board members are included as well as EMA members invited to join for the value they bring to policy formation and to ensure that all sectors are represented. Click here for more

Click here for the Manufacturers Forum

Click here for the Employers Forum

Click here for the Energy Forum

Specialist policy committees
Specialist policy committees consider the voice of business and employers in areas of our economy that are vital to the success of business:

• Regional Infrastructure Committee (includes all local and regional government issues);

• Trade and Foreign Policy Committee.

Education and training

The Advocacy Division also works with schools and the wider education system, and business members, to develop an appreciation of business, and of training needs. Read more here