Polis People.

Polis Consulting Group is a network of seasoned strategy professionals serving central and local government, New Zealand and international business, and local communities. We’re working with people just like us, those who want to make a difference, and are bold enough to want to try. 

LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • David works with clients in both private and public sectors to create value through strategy, innovation, and implementing change, often in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

    David is experienced as a corporate and government strategist, and is a recognised leader in economic and regional development strategy. He is committed to combining rigorous analysis with strong relationships to achieve positive change.

    David has 10 years’ consulting experience in New Zealand and Australia across a wide range of industry sectors and policy domains. He has advised private sector clients in a wide range of sectors, financial services, media, digital transformation, automotive, agribusiness, aquaculture, forestry, manufacturing, infrastructure, and insurance.

    In the public and community sectors, he has worked widely with local and regional government, economic development agencies, Iwi and social enterprises. He has led teams that have assisted regions to partner with and access substantial Crown investment resources.

    As a former Minister of the Crown, Leader of the Opposition, diplomat and strategy consultant with The Boston Consulting Group, David brings an international perspective and deep experience in complex multi-stakeholder governance and problem-solving.

    He holds an MPA from Harvard University, a BA (Hons) in Political Studies from the University of Otago and a Dip. Soc. Sci (Econ) from Massey University (NZ).

    He is Chair of The Selwyn Foundation Board and has extensive governance experience in the public and non-profit sectors. M.Inst.Dir.; HFCSNZ; HFI ITPNZ; QSO 

PARTNER

  • Thomas is an experienced advisor to business owners and senior management in New Zealand and across Asia, Europe, and the US, focused on creating impact for his clients through capitalising on strategic opportunities and addressing tough execution challenges.

    His work with a wide range of private sector clients includes syndicating visionary aspirations across the senior team, transforming businesses through impactful growth strategies, ensuring successful investments through commercial due diligence and Post-Merger Integration, and turning around organisations through strategic refocus, more effective operating models, and targeted performance improvement programmes.

    Thomas' clients have been able to adjust to and benefit from changing environments and markets and stay or become performance leaders in their respective industries.

    His public sector work with Governments across North and South Asia has focused on accelerating economic development and attracting billions of dollars in foreign direct investment.

    Over more than three decades, Thomas was a Partner with McKinsey & Co., The Boston Consulting Group, Kearney, and German consultancy Roland Berger. In addition to serving clients, Thomas held Management positions across all firms, from country and industry practice leadership to regional oversight and being part of the Global Management Team.

    Thomas holds an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York City, and a Diploma in Industrial Engineering from Technical University Berlin in Germany.” 

PARTNER

  • Annalise is a Director in Polis’ Auckland Office. She uses evidence and sound logical reasoning to approach the most challenging questions. Her work focusses on understanding complex systems and their contexts.

    Since joining Polis, Annalise has worked on a range of public strategy challenges. Her work focusses on complex and national-level systems. She has also worked across large-scale infrastructure projects, on local government challenges, and in stakeholder engagement.

    She has experience using qualitative methodologies to gather insights into the nuances of complex questions and using multi-criteria decision analysis to tackle multifaceted questions and balance trade-offs.

    Annalise has a particular interest in maritime projects and the environment, including large-scale infrastructure projects and their consequences.

    Before joining Polis, Annalise worked in the tertiary sector and in operations consulting in the UK and Europe.

    She holds a BA in Psychology and History, a BA (Hons) in History (1st Class Hons) and a Master of Arts in History (1st Class Hons) from the University of Auckland. She completed her PhD in History at the University of Cambridge, where she was a Gates Scholar.

DIRECTOR

  • Quanita is an accomplished economist, sustainable urban planner, and public policy strategist with over 15 years of experience across public and private sectors.

    She has held pivotal leadership roles at the Auckland Policy Office and MBIE, where she shaped policies on economic development, urban growth, and sustainable strategies. Her expertise extends globally, having advised the World Bank on urban resilience and socio-economic development initiatives across the Americas, Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

    With advanced degrees in Economics and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge, combined with certifications in data analytics and project management, Quanita brings a unique blend of technical and strategic capabilities. She excels in economic modelling, statistical analysis, and policy innovation, crafting forward-thinking strategies that address complex challenges.

    Known for her ability to translate intricate economic concepts into actionable solutions, Quanita combines data-driven insights with a collaborative and creative approach. Her strengths in strategic planning, economic forecasting, and project delivery enable her to develop long-term plans aligned with organisational goals. This, along with her commitment to sustainable economic practices, makes Quanita a valuable asset in driving transformative outcomes across diverse sectors.

ACTING DIRECTOR
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

  • Don brings more than 40 years’ professional consulting experience to the firm - including more than 25 years in Executive Search and Management Consultancy. Don is a former commercial law Partner with Simpson Grierson and Chapman Tripp, and a patent attorney Partner at Baldwins. Don moved into Executive Search in 1995, and co-founded SEQEL Partners in 2008, a market leader in Board, CEO and C-Suite appointments for NZX Listed and large private companies, on which he remains as a Board Member and Advisor. Don is a Director of several private companies and community organisations and was for three years the Chairman of a leading strategy consulting practice.

INDEPENDENT CHAIR

  • Dani is the General Manager at Polis Consulting Group, bringing her diverse experience and a passion for creating efficient systems and positive relationships. Her background spans organisation, events, marketing, customer experience, administration, and communication, making her a vital part of the Polis team.

    Previously, Dani has served as a team leader and debt counsellor for a national charity, customer experience and administration lead at a leading fintech, and as an Executive Assistant to an executive general manager at a council organisation.

    Known for her adaptability and enthusiasm for tackling challenges, Dani thrives in the fast-paced and varied environment of a growing business. She is especially dedicated to fostering community and a positive workplace culture.

    Dani holds a postgraduate degree in Psychology, has interned with a New Zealand think tank, and spent three years overseas in volunteer work.

    Outside of work, Dani loves spending time with her two amazing children and partner, playing Dungeons and Dragons, enjoying long walks, and baking up a storm.

GENERAL MANAGER
POLIS ASSOCIATES

  • Roger Dennis advises boards, CEOs and leadership teams on the strategic implications of a fast-changing world. Successful engagements have been delivered in diverse sectors including financial services, agribusiness, energy, telecommunications, healthcare, and infrastructure.

    In addition, Roger helped establish the world’s largest foresight programme called Future Agenda. He also partnered with an ex-advisor to the UK Prime Minister to deliver public-sector innovation courses in Australasia for the Australia-New Zealand School of Government.

    From 2006-08 Roger co-led the Shell Technology Futures programme for the GameChanger team (based in The Hague). Over the years Roger has also become a respected commentator and author on technology, innovation & strategy. His thinking has been published by a range of publications including Scientific American, Knowledge at Wharton and the Stanford Design School Magazine. In addition, Roger has been quoted in the Financial Times, AFR Boss Magazine & CNN Online.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Suzanne is an economist whose approach is to work with people in partnership to progress the collaborative development of positive initiatives, using a facilitative approach designed to inspire, galvanise, and accelerate their current activities. Her analysis is solutions and outcomes focused, based on research and client evidence. She has commercial experience in growth strategies, business performance, economic productivity, risk-opportunity management, regulatory reviews, and financial markets. Her clients come from across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

    Her first formal governance appointment was as a Director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand between 1985 and 1992. Then, from 2017 to 2022, Suzanne chaired the Independent Expert Advisory Panel reviewing the Reserve Bank Act where she led a panel of independent experts and a review team of RBNZ and Treasury officials. As well as future-proofing the Reserve Bank Act, the panel progressed the Deposit Takers Bill (introducing Deposit Compensation). Suzanne was a Director on the Interim Board of the RBNZ from 2021 to 2022 as the Board was transitioned from an advisory to an accountable Board. She has commercial experience in growth strategies, business performance, economic productivity, risk-opportunity management, regulatory reviews, and financial markets.

    Working with sharebroker Jardens as its Chief Economist, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”) for 17 years (a Partner for nearly 15 years) and managing her own consultancy business has enabled Suzanne to build a large network in the financial sector. She was a member of PwC’s Financial Services team. Her contact database includes the Chairs and CEOs of government financial/regulatory agencies. deposit takers (there are currently 33 and this group includes the 4 major Australian banks), insurance companies, KiwiSaver providers, financial services providers, managed funds, trustee companies, large accounting, and law firms.

    Suzanne’s qualifications include: BA Econ w/Thesis (Reed, USA), Fulbright Scholar, RBNZ Scholar, BA Econ Hons (VUW), MA Econ (VUW Distinction), Fellow New Zealand Association of Economists, and she is a member of the Institute of Directors.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Muaupoko, Ngāti Raukawa.

    Kieran is a thought-leader in 21st century approaches in strategy design and innovation management. He has global experience as a scholar and consultant with corporations, world-class universities, and research institutes in the USA, UK, EU, North Asia and Africa. Kieran has recently returned to New Zealand from a consulting and applied research career in Oxford/London UK.

    He brings deep global expertise in innovation, industrial policy and practice and has worked on competitive strategy with Fortune 500 firms in computing, retail, automotive and heavy industrial goods in the UK, EU, USA and North Asia. Kieran has also worked on Research and Development (R&D), NewCo formation and innovation centres of excellence in North Asia based multi-national corporations.

    Across Oceania, Kieran has worked extensively in banking and financial services on corporate strategy, new markets, digital innovation and channels, international joint ventures and alliance strategy and with premium and luxury auto and mobility providers on business model strategy and change.

    He has been in senior roles with global consulting and research powerhouse Berkeley Research Group (BRG), and with the public sector practice of McKinsey & Company and Said Business School, University of Oxford.

    Kieran holds a Masters in Public Policy degree from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Hons, 1st) degree from Victoria University of Wellington. Kieran is also a Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley Haas Business School, Visiting Lecturer at GIBS Business School, University of Pretoria, an Affiliate of Koi Tu Centre for Informed Futures at the University of Auckland, and Research Associate with the NZ National Science Challenge.

PARTNER ASSOCIATE

  • Ian is a senior financial analyst and with best-in-class skills in forecasting, probabilistic analysis, econometrics and applied decision tools. Ian’s career spans the New Zealand Treasury (tax, energy, and economic forecasting) to capital markets as an economist and later in corporate finance. Ian’s consulting career began in 2000.

    His subsequent career has spanned a number of roles including economist, public policy adviser, financial adviser and investment banker. In that time, he has developed a range of analytical skills, capabilities and familiarity with both private and public sector business models and processes. He was a founding partner of Cameron & Company Investment Bankers in 1995 and joined Burleigh Evatt as a partner director in 2001.

    He has considerable experience of working with political leaders, senior executives, board members and professional advisers from different disciplines including, legal, accounting and audit, public relations and engineering.

    That experience has included managing professional teams to undertake complex financial and business projects. The challenges he enjoys are complex and challenging issues that require original thought, innovation, attention to detail and careful management.

    Ian has an honours degree in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Canterbury. He attended the IMF Institute Fiscal Policy Programme (FPP) and the International Centre for Money and Banking (ICBM) in Geneva. M.Inst.Dir; M.NZInst.Forestry (NZIF). 

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Matt is an experienced executive, strategy consultant, and entrepreneur with diverse international strategy and operations experience in small and large organisations globally. His core expertise in strategy development and implementation with an emphasis on commercial efficiency, effectiveness, and growth.

    He previously worked at leading global strategy consulting firm L.E.K. Consulting, as well holding senior roles in industry, including at Coca-Cola EU and as Chief Operations Officer of UK pharmaceutical and medical device company Senzer Group.

    Alongside ongoing work with Polis Matt is an expert ‘Beachhead’ advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise supporting high profile exporters with innovation and strategy, the Director and co-founder of a London based sustainable fashion company, and a strategic advisor for a number of New Zealand SMEs.

    Matt holds Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MBChB, from the University of Otago and is a former doctor. 

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Terri-Ann is a Senior Associate of the Polis Consulting Group. She brings extensive private sector experience in strategy formulation and communication as well as in transformation programme management. In particular, she brings many years’ experience from the Financial Services sector.

    
A former Principal with the Boston Consulting Group, Terri-Ann served clients across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, including several Financial Institutions. Terri-Ann’s BCG projects regularly included developing business cases for new ventures requiring significant investment funding. As a member of BCG’s global Change Management Cadre, Terri-Ann also helped to develop the strategy execution toolkit for senior executives.

    Terri-Ann has held various senior leadership roles in financial services, most recently as General Manager Corporate Strategy at BNZ and also previously ran Corporate Strategy at Westpac NZ.

    As an in-house strategy leader, Terri-Ann’s experience includes

    • running multi-stakeholder strategy and planning processes, including formal annual business planning at BNZ and Westpac, strategy offsites for the board and executive, and internal alignment conferences for senior leaders

    • leading and facilitating business unit planning, including ongoing leadership of working groups to problem solve and drive initiatives. Example projects include Personal Customer Segmentation, Retail Distribution, Wealth, Insurance, KiwiSaver, Business Bank, Mid Market, Mature Customer Strategy and Cross Channel Distribution.

    As COO of Westpac NZ Retail Bank, her focus included performance reporting, sales force effectiveness, branch network optimisation, change management, quality assurance and productivity initiatives.

    Terri-Ann holds Bachelors of Engineering (Hons 1) and Commerce from the University of Western Australia, a Masters equivalent in geomechanics from INPG, Grenoble, and is an INSEAD alumna. She was a New Zealand participant of the 2003 Commonwealth Study Conference and part of the 2013 Global Women Breakthrough Leaders Programme. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and is currently Chair of Tennis New Zealand. Terri-Ann is also part of Ice Angels and sits on the advisory board of start-up mental health organisation Thinkladder.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Ian is a professional programme manager with over 20 years of project, risk and programme management experience, working in various sectors from defence, telecommunication and local government.

    Following university, Ian trained as a graduate with GEC Marconi as a project and risk manager to deliver complex one off technology programmes in the aerospace industry. This included projects on Y2K compliance, radar systems, infra-red technologies and early warning systems for fast jets.

    Through his telecommunications experience, Ian has led large teams to both deliver core technology upgrades and maintain mobile and fixed line networks across New Zealand and the Pacific.

    Leveraging his science degree and his advanced programme management skills, Ian joined Bay of Plenty Regional Council to programme manage environmental programmes in the freshwater space between 2012 and 2018.

    Ian plays highly respected roles in regional economic development governance alongside ongoing work with Polis.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Vicky brings extensive experience from the New Zealand public service, having served as the Secretary (Chief Executive) for the Ministry for the Environment. In this role, she led the development and implementation of key environmental policies, including climate policy, from 2015 to 2023.

    She has a proven track record in delivering innovative and impactful solutions across climate change, biodiversity, water, waste, and urban issues. Her notable achievements include leading the development of the Zero Carbon Act, the Emissions Reduction Plan, and reforms to the Emissions Trading Scheme. Vicky is a strong advocate for both local and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment.

    With a background in law and economics, Vicky spent over 17 years at the Treasury, including eight years in executive leadership roles. During this time, she led initiatives in commercial operations, economic growth, company and entity performance, tax, competition and regulatory policy, as well as organisational development and change.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Louise is a Senior Project Lead at PCG, with a wealth of consulting experience, primarily within the public sector. She has worked widely with local and regional government to enhance economic and wellbeing landscapes, and with research and innovation agencies to shape policies and cultivate capabilities.

    Louise began her consulting career at PwC Wellington, gaining experience designing and implementing large-scale workforce and cultural change strategies and working on several transformational programmes of work including the Health and Disability System Review and the Reform of Vocational Education.

    Prior to joining PCG, Louise worked at Zero Invasive Predators whose aim is to achieve a predator free New Zealand. Her work here reflects her passion for conservation and finding innovative solutions to Aotearoa’s environmental issues.  

    Louise is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Economics from the University of Auckland. She brings strong quantitative, financial, and analytical skills alongside her passion for sustainability and wellbeing. 

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

  • Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti.

    Te Wai is a Consultant at PCG, coming to us from the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Investment team. There, he was an Investment Analyst, working with New Zealand start-ups, greenfield projects and Māori entities throughout the capital raising process.

    Prior to this, Te Wai was an Advisor at NZTE’s International Growth Fund, supporting New Zealand exporters to validate and enter new markets. Prior to NZTE, Te Wai interned in Jarden’s Investment Banking team and the New Zealand Treasury.

    Te Wai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, International Relations and Māori Studies, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and International Business, both from the University of Auckland. He was the founding president of Te Mana Pakihi, the university’s Māori Business Students’ Association, and was Māori Business Student of the Year 2018.

SENIOR CONSULTANT

  • Before joining Polis, Conor completed a Master of International Relations at the Kobe University School of International Cooperation Studies in Kobe, Japan. His master’s thesis explored how liberal economies can react in non-traditional ways to traditional threats in the Asia-Pacific. After two years of living in Japan, he returned to Aotearoa New Zealand in December 2023.

    Conor worked as a team leader at Rako Science, a Covid-19 testing company. During his time at Rako, he developed a keen eye for detail and a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s public and private healthcare systems. He built and managed their customer service line, with a particular focus on supporting elderly patients needing Covid testing as a hospital requirement. He also worked closely with Genesis Energy, assisting them in establishing a Covid response system.

    Before this, Conor was an Admin Assistant at the Hutt South Electorate during the 2020 election. His responsibilities included building voting booths and supplying them with everything they needed, as well as securely delivering and receiving ballots.

    Conor completed his undergraduate degree at Victoria University of Wellington with a double major in International Relations and Political Science. He was active in the War Gaming Society and Model United Nations clubs.

    In his free time, Conor enjoys walking the neighbourhood dogs, birdwatching at Zealandia Sanctuary, and watching movies with his family.

aNALYST

  • Riley is a Junior Analyst at Polis. Hailing from sunny Hawke’s Bay, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance, Economics) and a Bachelor of Arts (History, Mathematics) at the University of Auckland. With a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, Riley brings robust analytical skills to Polis.

    Riley’s consulting experience began in the Business School’s Accelerate Programme, where he was part of a team of seven advising Ronald McDonald House Charities on the implementation of artificial intelligence in its operations. He has since returned to Accelerate as a student mentor, guiding this year’s cohort as they tackle the challenges faced by upcycled food producer Rescued Limited. Riley has also completed a project for the pro-bono consulting club, Impact. There, he led a team of student consultants in developing a subscription model for WildWays’ education arm, a wildlife rehabilitation company.

    Riley has a keen interest in policy and governance. While in secondary school, he was a member of the Hastings Youth Council and sat on a District Council subcommittee, where he advocated for the interests of Hastings’ young people. Riley continues his commitment to advocacy through his role as Treasurer for Amnesty on Campus.

jUNIOR ANALYST

  • Gizmo proudly serves as our Chief Cuddle Officer. He takes his role seriously, enthusiastically greeting colleagues, boosting morale, and ensuring the overall wellbeing of the team with his calming presence.

    Known for his expert-level cuddles and impeccable training, Gizmo is a true professional when it comes to offering comfort and support during a busy workday.

    When not at work, Gizmo enjoys his well-earned downtime with treats, belly rubs, and long walks on the beach.

    Gizmo reminds us daily of the importance of balance, connection, and a good cuddle to keep things running smoothly at Polis.

Chief Cuddle Officer

Join Polis.

We are passionate about harnessing the best senior talent who want flexible careers and ways to contribute and developing the next generation of policy and strategy leaders. Do you want to make a difference, and are bold enough to want to try – then we want to hear from you.