Leading public affairs firm Capital is pleased to announce a new line-up following the election of a new Parliament and a new incoming government.
Ben Thomas, a current Director at Capital who has been responsible for opposition relations, will head up the company’s government relations work with the formation of the new government.
Ben Thomas has extensive experience in New Zealand politics, media and public affairs. He was an adviser in the previous National government for six years, and has worked as a campaign advisor to the ACT party in 2017 and to the winning Auckland Mayoral candidate in 2022.
He has worked in government relations and public relations since 2014, and is a former Political Editor of the National Business Review.
Former New Zealand First Deputy Leader Fletcher Tabuteau joins Capital as a Director.
Fletcher Tabuteau was a Member of Parliament from 2014-2020, serving as Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Disarmament and Arms Control, and Regional Economic Development. He served as Deputy Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee and was New Zealand First’s spokesperson for Finance, Commerce, Revenue, Trade, Tourism, and Energy. Since leaving Parliament he has advised businesses in market development.
Former National Party adviser Aimie Hines joins Capital as a Senior Consultant.
Aimie Hines has worked as Communications Manager for the National Party, media and communications adviser to National MP Mark Mitchell and most recently served as Public Affairs and Policy Manager of Retail NZ, as a member of the retail sector peak body’s senior leadership team.
Neale Jones, also a current Director, will shift focus to PR, opposition engagement and business development.
Veteran public relations expert Mike Jaspers continues to head up Capital’s communications offering, with support from former Ardern government digital adviser Jen Vermeulen, who joins the team offering digital strategy services.
Clint Smith leaves Capital to focus on his own growing business, though will continue to provide some contract policy and research support. Mike Munro will continue to do some contract work for Capital, with a focus on the energy sector.
Ben Thomas says he is excited by the calibre of Capital’s new look line up.
“We pride ourselves on being able to offer clients the best possible advice and support for their government relations and public affairs needs, and the experience and skills Fletcher and Aimie bring to the firm help make the transition to a new government even more seamless.”
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