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
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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 MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
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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
FINANCE aND ADMIN SUPPORTPOLIS tEAM
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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
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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-
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 ASSOCIATE
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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.
DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE
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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-
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
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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.
sENIOR aNALYST
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Karin is a Junior Analyst at Polis. Karin studies for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management at the University of Auckland. Alongside her studies, Karin has spent 9+ years public speaking and is currently an active member of the University of Auckland Case Programme. Karin represents the university at international case competitions in Oceania and Europe, alongside coaching junior teams to compete at an international level.
Prior to joining Polis, Karin worked in PwC New Zealand’s Deals Strategy team, where she worked primarily on commercial due diligence and value creation projects in the healthcare industry. After this, Karin moved to Sydney to join Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where she worked with ultra-high-net-worth clients alongside driving AI initiatives across Morgan Stanley’s account management and investment research teams.
In her free time, Karin enjoys going to the gym, travelling, and writing reviews on restaurants both locally and over the course of her travels.
jUNIOR ANALYST
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Miles has joined Polis as a Junior Analyst and is currently working towards his LLB/BCom conjoint, majoring in Finance and Accounting at the University of Auckland.
During his tertiary education he has contributed through a broad range of extracurriculars, including as President of the Māori Commerce Students' Association, Executive Member of the Investment Club, alumnus of the Case Club Development Programme, and as a participant in an entrepreneurial expedition through Silicon Valley with the University of Auckland's Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Prior to joining Polis, Miles completed internships with Morrison (previously H.R.L. Morrison & Co), Invest New Zealand, and Deloitte. He has developed a strong interest in facilitating investment into key areas for New Zealand, including renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Miles has had podium finishes at the University of Auckland Energy Case Competition in each of the last two years, where he pitched 'New Zealand's 2050 Energy Strategy': a proposal for New Zealand to adopt the United Kingdom's Contracts for Difference approach to renewable financing, and the government acting as an offtake clearinghouse for power purchase agreements.
Miles looks forward to working with clients on the issues that matter most as we transition into a new era of energy and technology.
jUNIOR ANALYST
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Roshan is a Junior Analyst at Polis. Born and raised in Auckland, he is pursuing a conjoint Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce with Finance and Accounting at the University of Auckland. This provides him strong critical analysis skills and strong quantitative instincts.
Roshan’s consulting journey started in the University of Auckland Case Club, where he went through a rigorous 5-week consulting development program in his first semester at university. He has since travelled to Wellington, Brisbane, and Los Angeles to represent the University of Auckland in case competitions, and now mentors teams competing at similar events around New Zealand and Australia.
Roshan’s Civil Engineering background has led him to be part of significant infrastructure ventures around Auckland and Waikato. Throughout his tenure at Crang Civil, he was part of a team that delivered land development projects, with an emphasis on early-stage planning and design.
JUNIOR aNALYSTJoin 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.