Cell: +64 21 359 258
Email: mark@sul.co.nz

Mark Unsworth is NZ's most experienced lobbyist.  With Barrie Saunders, Mark set up Saunders Unsworth in 1994.  He is one of NZ’s most highly respected lobbyists and is a trusted and recognised figure in the halls of Parliament.  In an NBR article Mark was ranked number one on a list of NZ’s most powerful behind the scenes PR people.

Mark specialises in building strong and enduring personal relationships with politicians, advisors and civil servants in Wellington.  His contacts, experience and warm personal style have assisted in leading NZ and multinational companies with their relationships with the Government.  

Mark has edited the Saunders Unsworth MP Guide for over 25 years.  It has been NZ’s only comprehensive guide to MPs and the face-to-face interviews he carries out with new MPs are often the first step to a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and trust.

Prior to establishing Saunders Unsworth, Mark spent 7 years at the specialist lobbying firm Link Consultants; that followed two years in Parliament as the Private Secretary to the Hon David Caygill.  

Mark has served on the boards of Wellington College, Workbase and the Asthma Foundation and has held a Corporate Affairs role at Independent Liquor, now Asahi.  He comments on lobbying in the media and has also been an occasional guest lecturer on lobbying at Victoria University’s Political Science School.

Mark and his wife Janet Selwood have two adult children. Mark enjoys swimming, golf, music and wine tasting in his spare time and swimming with is golden retriever Zara.