How to Contact People in Power
You don’t need to be an expert to speak up.
You can write to or email MPs, the Prime Minister, or other decision-makers to share your ideas and concerns. This guide will show you how.
Who can you contact
- Your local MP, the person elected to represent your area
- The Prime Minister, for big issues that affect the whole country
- Government ministers, people in charge of
specific areas like health, education, or the environment
How to find their contact information
- Parliament website: Go to www.parliament.nz and look for “Find Your MP”
- Government websites: Each minister usually has a contact page
- Social media: Many MPs and ministers have official accounts you can message
How to decide who to contact
- Think about who is in charge of the issue you care about
- Your local MP is usually the best place to start
- If it is a national issue, you might contact the relevant minister or the Prime Minister
Tips for a strong message
- Be polite. Respect goes a long way
- Be clear. Focus on 1 or 2 main points
- Be personal. Share your own story or experiences
- Offer a solution. Don’t just say what is wrong — say how it could be better
- Keep it short. One page or less is best
Template for an email or letter
Subject: [Issue or Bill Name]
To [MP or Minister’s Name]
My name is [your name]. I am [your age, role, or connection, for example a student,
parent, community member].
I am writing because [explain the issue in a few sentences]. This matters to me because
[share your story or why it affects you or your community].
I would like you to [say clearly what action or change you want].
Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I hope you will consider my thoughts
and ideas.
Sincerely
[Your Name]
After you send it
- You might get a reply — sometimes a letter, email, or phone call
- If you do not hear back, you can follow up and ask for an update