Your unapologetic champion through advocacy
Feeling like a drop in a bucket? Not at the EMA. Our numbers and years are our strength. Since 1886, through our Advocacy, the EMA has put the needs of our Members in front of politicians and powerbrokers to enact meaningful change.
We’re committed to fueling Kiwi ambition and carrying the torch for decisions that improve competitiveness, economic resilience, and growth for our Member businesses and the wider New Zealand economy.
Taking your voice straight to the top
We’re on the side of business and push for legislation and policies that will have a positive impact on you. Our Advocacy experts liaise directly with Government and key officials to get the employer voice heard and impact outcomes and engage with media to raise awareness.
- Topics we advocate on: RMA reform, employment relations, immigration, infrastructure, economy, manufacturing and export, health and safety, sustainability, skills, workforce, education and international and commercial law and many more.
- How do we engage with Members: Member Briefings, policy forums, events, surveys, social media and the Employer Bulletin and direct feedback.
- How do we engage with Government: formal submissions on legislative change, consultation on non-legislative issues, discussions with officials and ministers, advisory panels.
A nationwide network
We work with our wider network partners –BusinessNZ, Business Central, Business Canterbury, Business South & ExportNZ – which represent over 76,000 New Zealand businesses as we develop policies and advocate for or against change.
With offices in Auckland, Whangārei, Rotorua, Tauranga and Hamilton we have a strong regional reach to support our national work, where we use the voice of our members and our experienced people to influence change.
Meet the Advocacy Team
Alan McDonald
Head of Advocacy & Strategy
Focus areas: Economy, Infrastructure and RMA
Contact: alan.mcdonald@ema.co.nz
JOANNA HALL
Senior Policy Advisor
Focus areas: Immigration, Youth Employment, Skills and Infrastructure
Contact: joanna.hall@ema.co.nz
PAUL JARVIE
Manager Employment Relations and Safety Advocate
Focus areas: Skills Workforce, Health and Safety, ACC and Education
Contact: paul.jarvie@ema.co.nz
GARTH WYlLIE
Executive Officer Manufacturing and Industries
Focus areas: Industry Group
Contact: garth.wyllie@ema.co.nz
Joanna Hall
Senior Policy Advisor
Focus areas: Immigration, Youth Employment, Skills and Infrastructure
Contact: joanna.hall@ema.co.nz
Paul Jarvie
Manager Employment Relations and Safety Advocate
Focus areas: Skills Workforce, Health and Safety, ACC and Education
Contact: paul.jarvie@ema.co.nz
Garth Wyllie
Executive Officer Manufacturing and Industries
Focus areas: Industry Group
Contact: garth.wyllie@ema.co.nz
