Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Research – ACT and National dominate LinkedIn while Labour barely shows up — new report ranks every NZ MP

Source: Blackland PR

10 April 2026 – New Zealand's first comprehensive ranking of MP LinkedIn performance reveals a striking digital divide between the government and opposition benches.

A new report from Blackland PR and digital communications specialist Seamus Boyer has ranked every New Zealand MP on their LinkedIn performance, exposing wide gaps in how political parties are using the platform.

The MP LinkedIn Power List 2026 analysed the LinkedIn presence of all MPs with findable profiles across 2025, scoring each on profile quality, posting consistency, content impact, network size, content quality, and engagement behaviour. Content quality was weighted most heavily.

“LinkedIn has evolved well beyond a job-hunting or humble-brag platform. With an estimated 3.3 million New Zealand members and comment activity growing 24% in 2025, it has become a place where business leaders, public servants, industry stakeholders, and journalists spend significant time,” says Seamus Boyer.

“LinkedIn offers politicians a relatively high-trust environment to communicate directly with exactly the audiences that shape opinion and policy.”

ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden and National's Ryan Hamilton shared the top ranking, with ACT punching well above its weight relative to its parliamentary size. National dominated the overall leaderboard, with 18 of the top 25 places. Green MP Francisco Hernández was the standout from the opposition benches, coming in fifth.

In contrast Labour's performance is strikingly weak. The party's first representative on the list, Duncan Webb, ranked 24th. Leader Chris Hipkins came in at 68th equal, with his most recent post being from February 2019.

“We understand that Labour has different audiences, but it does want to build its credibility with business. Yet it's almost completely absent from a key platform well suited to that goal. That's a significant missed opportunity,” says Nick Gowland from Blackland PR.

And surprisingly, while National has the largest audience on LinkedIn, the party could be doing more.

“Too much content remains reactive rather than using LinkedIn to seed ideas or shape conversations early on. National MPs have the reach. Their opportunity is to be more deliberate about leading discussions and showing up as thought leaders,” says Seamus Boyer.

“The MPs doing this well aren't just broadcasting announcements. They're showing up with personality, adding context, engaging in debate, and treating LinkedIn as a genuine conversation platform rather than a noticeboard. The audience rewards that approach,”

The most-engaged post of 2025 was from ACT list MP Laura McClure, whose post about deepfake legislation drew nearly 6,500 engagements.

“The post had a compelling hook, image, and a subject with genuine public interest,” says Seamus Boyer.

“In contrast, the dominant pattern across all parties was “post and ghost,” with MPs posting content but failing to engage with replies or join the conversation in comments. Only 16 MPs engaged consistently and meaningfully.”

Key stats

  • 91 MPs with a findable LinkedIn profile
  • 27 MPs who didn't post at all in 2025
  • 35 Average posts per MP across the year
  • 16 MPs engaging consistently in comments


The full report, including the complete ranking of all 91 MPs and party-by-party analysis, is available at blacklandpr.com and seamus.nz.

 

About Blackland PR

Blackland PR is a Wellington-based strategic communications consultancy specialising in persuasive communications with real New Zealanders. The firm works across public and private sector organisations on media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs.

About Seamus Boyer

Seamus Boyer is a digital communications consultant specialising in strategic storytelling and social media for the public sector, working with central and local government clients across New Zealand and Australia. He spent a decade in journalism before moving into communications.

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PSA – Govt cost cutting puts Ministry of Justice jobs supporting Māori-Crown relations at risk

Source: PSA

A proposal to cut 26 roles at the Ministry of Justice would undermine the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its Te Tiriti obligations, in the latest example the Government’s extreme anti-Māori agenda.
The proposal, released to staff yesterday, includes a net loss of 21 policy roles, including the entire Inquiries team. It also includes a net loss of five roles in the Ātea a Rangi team, which provides strategic and policy advice and leads partnerships with iwi and Māori.
The Inquiries team supports the Crown's participation in the Waitangi Tribunal's Justice and Constitutional kaupapa inquiries. They have a mandate to ensure that the Crown participates in and responds to these inquiries in good faith.
“These job cuts are a continuation of the Government’s relentless attacks on Māori and is yet another example of how Māori and Te Tiriti capabilities in the public service are being hollowed out,” said Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Disestablishing the Inquiries team will further harm the Māori-Crown relationship, breaking the trust of claimants that the Crown is genuine in participating in these inquiries.
“The disproportionate impact of this country’s criminal justice system on Māori is extremely well documented. Cutting these workers will undermine the Ministry’s ability to meet its Te Tiriti obligations and work alongside Māori communities to reduce inequities in the justice system.
“The Government must stop its insidious, ideological drive to cut costs at the expense of Māori. It is undermining the job security of dedicated workers, and it is harming the public service’s ability to deliver Te Tiriti-consistent services for all New Zealanders,” McDonald said.
Some examples of Government cuts to Māori capability
StatsNZ disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team: Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Events – Pay Equity Cancelled Cheque Presentation Event to Highlight Impact on Care and Support Workers

Source: PSA

Opposition MPs will present giant bank ‘cheques’ representing $20,644.45 in stolen pay equity wages to care and support workers at the Bridge of Remembrance this Sunday, 12 April.
The presentation will highlight what workers have lost, with the cancelled cheques representing the value of their pay equity claims cancelled last year.
Speakers at the event will include Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons, advocate Nancy McShane, Labour MPs Dr Tracey McLellan and Dan Rosewarne, and community supporters. Together, they will stand in solidarity with affected workers and call for renewed attention to pay equity issues.
“It is coming up a year on when the coalition betrayed New Zealand women by cancelling 33 pay equity claims and making future claims almost impossible,” Fitzsimons says.
“As the fuel crisis has come down hard on everyone, especially care and support workers who must use their cars to get to clients, their lack of pay equity has become starkly apparent.
“If these workers were valued properly in the first place, then they’d be better positioned to ride out this petrol crisis. Instead, we’re hearing workers are having to choose between putting petrol in their cars or food on the table.
“New Zealand women have not forgotten what was taken from them. Pay equity was won over decades by thousands of women organising together. We’re not giving up now.”
The cheques will be presented to mental health support worker Christie Frost and home support worker Theresa Parnell.
Frost says it’s “ridiculous” she and her colleagues are still having to fight for pay equity.
“The cancellation of the pay equity claims last year left us all feeling quite broken.
“The work we do is taxing, and carries a lot of risk and responsibility. I love my job – but I could go and work at Burger Fuel for the same money. Passion for my work doesn’t pay the bills.”
Members of the media and public are encouraged to attend, show their support, and make Kiwi workers voices heard. The event is open to all.
Attendees are advised to allow extra travel time due to Christchurch Marathon street closures earlier in the morning.
Event Details:
What: Pay Equity Cheque Presentation Event
When: Sunday, April 12 at 12:00pm
Where: Bridge of Remembrance, Christchurch.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Auckland City Deal Sets Direction – Now Progress Must Follow, says EMA

Source: EMA

Momentum and progress will mark the success of today’s landmark city deal agreed between Auckland City and the Government, says the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association).
“This is the first of the city deals to be announced and it won’t just be Aucklanders watching its progress, but also the other cities and regions wanting to make similar deals with the Government,” says EMA’s Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald.
“They have succeeded overseas and now we get to try one here. There are encouraging elements to the announced deal – with Auckland’s economy lagging, we need a shot in the arm to get things moving again.
“The announcement rightly notes just how important Auckland’s success is to the national economy and, as a national organisation founded in Auckland 140 years ago, we and our members really want to see the city grow and contribute more to the economy.
“Similar measures in the past, such as the Auckland Transport Alignment Plan (ATAP), brought some successes but this is a much broader agreement in scope. It’s an agreement that should prevent large-scale fantastical plans being foisted on the city, and lead to more pragmatic options that demonstrate real growth and progress.”
McDonald says key elements of the deal will all contribute to momentum and growth. These include the Council/Government partnership approach, the focus on developing precincts, a joint approach to a large-scale events programme, and gaining further efficiencies from existing infrastructure and transport networks
“The new Crown uplift funding tool should encourage Council to think more strategically about how it uses its existing assets, while recognising the important role the private sector can play in prioritising the Drury development and easing congestion at the critical airport hub. Auckland Airport is also one of the region’s largest roading authorities, controlling much of the road network around the airport.
“Getting the most out of the CRL (City Rail Link) by prioritising level crossing improvements just makes good sense, and there is recognition we should take a similar approach to maximising the flow of our roading and public transport networks, not just on the motorways.
“The intent behind the deal looks great. Now we need to see the results flow from the agreement – and quickly.”
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Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our freshwater 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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Activist Sector – Wellington March against the War

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Peace Action Wellington is hosting a march against the war on Saturday, 11 April at 11am from Civic Square to Parliament.

“The US and Israeli war on Iran is illegal, immoral and completely without justification,” said Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington.

“We call on the NZ government to condemn this war. To call out the US and Israel for their war crimes and to demand an end to this now – for good. This isn’t hard.”

“All of the Coalition is equally responsible for their utter cowardice – NZ First, National and ACT. They have utterly failed to have even the most basic moral compass. They can’t even condemn an illegal war. It is remarkable what utter sycophants they have all been to US power.”

“We should hardly be surprised since they have been so silent and complicit as thousands upon thousands of Palestinian men, women and children have been massacred.”

 “Now we demand that NZ get out of the blood-soaked alliance with the US and its task-master Israel. We say no troops, no SAS, no frigates, no joint training, no business, and out of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.”

“We demand an independent and principled foreign policy that puts human need, human dignity and human rights at the very forefront.”

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Oxfam: Peace talks only successful if ceasefire encompasses the region, as Israel launches deadliest strikes yet on Lebanon

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Reacting to news today of a two-week ceasefire between US/Israel and Iran, Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar said:
“We share in the widespread relief that the world has avoided the atrocities President Trump threatened yesterday and that the war between the US and Iran has paused while diplomatic talks commence. The ceasefire comes after weeks of escalating threats and unlawful attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, as well as retaliation from Iran, that have killed, injured, and displaced civilians across the region. However, until there is an end to all hostilities, across the entire region, no one will feel truly safe.
“This pause must become a stepping stone for wider peace. Israel’s ongoing invasion in Lebanon, its destructive occupation of Palestinian Territory, ground incursion and airstrikes in Syria, its continued attacks in Gaza, and violent attacks and territorial expansion in the West Bank are still continuing despite the provisional cessation of violence with Iran. This deadly toll across the Middle East is intolerable and must stop.
“Israel’s attacks on Lebanon continued with huge strikes today, reportedly killing at least 80 people. Another 1,500 people have been killed and 4,500 injured since last month. Israeli massive forced displacement orders cover more than 20 per cent of the population and humanitarian agencies cannot access critical projects to assist people in the most need.
“Any peace agreement must include the unconditional withdrawal of Israel’s forces in Lebanon and Syria, an end to its unlawful occupation of Gaza and the Syria Golan, and its annexation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
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Fire and Emergency reminds public to be extra careful while strike action takes place

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning the public that the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) will be undertaking a strike tomorrow, Friday 10 April, between midday and 1pm. 
The NZPFU has indicated its intention to continue twice-weekly strikes.
“I want to reassure the public that all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the strike periods,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says. 
“However, our response times will be delayed in impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location. So, we are asking the public to remain extra careful.
“Our advice remains the same. If there is a fire, evacuate early, get out, stay out, then call 111.” 
During the one-hour strikes Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and may not attend less serious incidents, such as private fire alarms where there is no sign of fire, small rubbish fires, traffic-management assistance, and animal rescues. 
In addition, Fire and Emergency has established a process with Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance for responding to medical events in impacted areas. 
“We remain focused on achieving a fair and sustainable settlement with the NZPFU so we can continue working to keep our communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.
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Economy – How New Zealand can get more growth from its infrastructure

Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

Research by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Foundations for Growth: How infrastructure can increase productivity, spotlights the role of infrastructure in driving productivity and economic growth.
“Productivity is essential to lifting our living standards. It’s about being able to get more value out of the time we spend working, while sustaining our natural environment. In turn, infrastructure plays a key role in productivity growth – by tying together our cities and regions, connecting us with global markets, and helping us adopt new technologies,” says Peter Nunns, General Manager – Strategy at the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga.
” Foundations for Growth shows that while infrastructure is important, simply investing in new assets may not be a panacea for growth. What matters more is that new infrastructure tackles genuine ‘bottlenecks’ that are holding us back and that the infrastructure we already have is being used efficiently.
“The infrastructure we’ve built up over more than 150 years – our roads, electricity and water networks, hospitals, schools, and more – underpin our current economy. We need to ‘fix the foundations’ first if we want to keep growing, which means investing enough in maintenance, renewal, and resilience against natural hazards to retain the services we rely on,” Nunns says.
“Sometimes, we can get better value from infrastructure we already have. For example, the Commission’s research shows we get less ‘bang for buck’ from our road network than our OECD peers.
“We can boost productivity by enabling more growth in areas with good transport access, improving safety and efficiency through targeted investment, and using time-of-use pricing to fix urban congestion.
“New infrastructure can make a big difference to growth during periods of rapid technological change or significant demographic shifts, like urbanisation and population ageing. Projects that are timely, cost-effective, and well-targeted to emerging needs can help by unlocking ‘bottlenecks’ to growing and transforming our economy,” Nunns says.
“Projects that served our economy best in the past may not be the right fit for the future, however. As economies develop, the value we get from investment in digital infrastructure and energy infrastructure tends to rise, while average returns from transport investment tend to decline.
“As Foundations for Growth highlights, if we want our infrastructure to generate the greatest value for the people who use it and grow our economy, the good news is we know what it takes: a strong focus on planning ahead, choosing projects that stack up economically, and using the right tools to pay for them,” Nunns says.
The report was published alongside the National Infrastructure Plan, which represents the Commission’s advice to the Government on infrastructure investment over the next 30 years.
“Our long-term investment advice in the National Infrastructure Plan reflects the findings in Foundations for Growth. It maps out a path for lifting economic performance through infrastructure investment.
“Improving productivity isn’t about spending more, but investing carefully and strategically. We need to make sure every dollar we invest in infrastructure works as hard as possible for New Zealand's future prosperity,” Nunns says.
Notes