We have the expertise.
Thompson Lewis has strong political networks which span the New Zealand political spectrum. We have considerable understanding of Wellington and its processes having spent significant time in senior roles in Government and Opposition, and working with the public sector.
For the past decade, we have worked for corporate clients, including some of New Zealand’s largest and most highly-regulated and complex companies, and run a number of successful political campaigns.
We have also worked in media and bring significant experience in strategic communications and engagement, crisis communications, and reputation management.
GJ Thompson
GJ is a founder of Thompson Lewis. He spent five months as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, assisting the new government transition into the Beehive. Prior to Thompson Lewis, he worked for two of New Zealand’s largest companies – Fonterra and SkyCity – helping them communicate with their diverse stakeholders and manage challenging issues. He is also a former Press Secretary in Prime Minister Helen Clark’s Office and chief advisor and Chief of Staff for the Leader of the Opposition. GJ is a former journalist and worked in media in NZ and offshore.
Wayne Eagleson
Wayne is a Wellington based Director of Thompson Lewis. He is also a Director of Wellington International Airport Limited. Prior to joining Thompson Lewis, Wayne was Chief of Staff to Prime Ministers John Key and Bill English from 2008 to 2017, and prior to that was in that role in the Leader of the Opposition’s office prior to the 2008 election. He also worked as a senior advisor to Prime Minister Jim Bolger in the 1990s. Outside of Parliament and the Beehive, he has been a member of the senior executive team for Transpower, and in senior roles for Westpac and DB Breweries.
Sifa Taumoepeau
Sifa is one of NZ’s most experienced government relations specialists with extensive contacts across Parliament and government. His key expertise is in influencing government policy and legislation. Most recently, he managed government relations for SkyCity and, prior to that, Fonterra, Todd Property Group, Telecom and the Tourism Industry Association. He also worked in Parliament as a researcher and policy advisor. Sifa is currently a board member of the Anglican Trust for Women and Children and the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ boards.
Paula Oliver
Paula is an experienced political advisor who has worked at the highest levels of Government for over a decade. Paula was Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Key and worked in his office from 2008-2016. More recently, Paula was a specialist advisor to Finance Minister Nicola Willis in the coalition government. Paula has served offshore as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has extensive experience working where business and government connect. Paula is a former journalist with experience in business and financial media.
We understand.
Contact
Thompson Lewis Ltd
Auckland Office - SAP Tower, Level 28, 151 Queen St, Auckland CBD
GJ Thompson +64-21-392 571 gj@thompsonlewis.co.nz
Sifa Taumoepeau +64-21-387 685 sifa@thompsonlewis.co.nz
Wayne Eagleson +64-21-709 067 wayne@thompsonlewis.co.nz
Paula Oliver +64-21-243 9821 paula@thompsonlewis.co.nz