ABOUT:

At some stage, almost all organisations will need to engage and communicate effectively with both local and central government, community organisations, interest groups or other stakeholders.

For some organisations, this might mean having a dedicated external relations team, while others might rely on their industry organisation for effective lobbying and stakeholder relations.

This 2 day course will allow your organisation to achieve their strategic goals more effectively through improving relationships in both the public and private sector. Consultation, Engagement and Stakeholder Management will equip you with the tools to understand the consultation and engagement process, the machinery of government and how the system works to insure that your organisations relationships with key stakeholders, regulators and government are positive ones and that your case is heard.

Key issues for discussion in this seminar include:

• Understand the political system and regulatory process

• Learn how government operates in New Zealand

• Gain an understanding of the Government Relations process

• Identify key stakeholders and effectively analyse their needs

• Effectively consult with and engage stakeholders and interest groups

• Develop a consultation and engagement strategy

Who should attend?

• Regulatory Affairs Managers

• Consultants

• Lawyers

• External Relations Managers

• Communications Managers

• Public Affairs Managers

• Public Affairs Officers

• Communications Assistants

• Communications Analysts

• Public Relations Managers

• Public Relations Advisors

• Those responsible for Community Engagement

OUTLINE:

Introduction to stakeholder advocacy, consultation and engagement

• Introduction and establishing class level of knowledge and experience

The New Zealand political system

• Understanding the New Zealand Political system

• New Zealand Political Parties, Relationships & Roles

• Who are the key influencers?

• Understanding the role of interest groups and NGOs

• Elections, MMP and electoral law related to stakeholder engagement

• Understanding the political economy of regulation

The operations of Government in New Zealand

• Parliament

• Cabinet

• Caucus

• Select Committees

• The Regulatory Process

Inside the beltway – an overview of Government relations

• What is “Government Relations”?

• The role of Government relations and how can it add value to your organisation?

• Real life in Wellington

• What do MPs and Ministers want to hear?

• Engagement vs Lobbying

Stakeholder analysis

• Identifying key stakeholders

• What are your stakeholders needs?

• Are all stakeholders created equal?

• Managing relationships with stakeholders

• Dealing with activist groups effectively

• Case Study

Public consultation processes

• Find out how to create a communications plan and build in a communications component.

• Learn how to manage the issues that arise

• Learn what’s required and how to carry out public consultation effectively.

• Develop a plan for your organisation

Consultation and engagement with Maori stakeholders

• What are your Treaty obligations for engagement

• Requirements for Central Government

• Requirements for Local Government

• How should the private sector appropriately engage Maori stakeholders?

• Case Study

Building the right team

• Hiring for an in house public affairs, consultation or engagement team

• When is a consultant appropriate?

Developing a plan for your organisation

• Key issues for your audiences

• Developing a plan for dealing with Local Government

• Developing a plan for dealing with Central Government

• Applying lessons to your organisation

Seminar Wrap, group discussion and Q&A