Our people
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David Clarke LLB, LLM (Hons) Dave is one of Allen + Clarke's founding directors. Dave shares responsibility for setting Allen + Clarke's strategic direction and for providing leadership for the company with Matt and Paul. He has twenty years of wide-ranging experience in public sector reform, law reform, law drafting, regulatory design, public law, policy making and, more recently, in evaluation and strategy work for clients in New Zealand and globally (Kosovo to the Cayman Islands, Tonga to Tanzania – and many places in between). Dave has worked extensively within and for governments and as a consequence understands how decisions are made, and how to get things done, in a political environment. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of machinery of government processes and the minutiae of best practice regulatory and policy design. Avoid at parties! Dave’s success in delivering practical solutions in many different countries is based on building partnerships with clients. To find pragmatic and workable solutions requires genuine engagement with clients, and Dave believes you need to understand their specific problems, the limitations they face and together work to overcome them with tailor-made solutions. + husband and dad + school trustee + cricket coach + football + tennis player |
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Matthew Allen BSc, Dip Env Hlth, MA(Appl) Env St Matt is a Director of Allen + Clarke; working closely with Dave Clarke and Paul Houliston to set the strategic direction for the business as well as provide leadership for the Allen + Clarke team. Matt relishes getting stuck into complex projects and particularly enjoys project managing multifaceted policy and evaluation projects with diverse stakeholders. Matt is a skilled policy analyst with considerable experience in working within the machinery of government, having worked in a range of roles within both central and local government. He has strong networks and connections within the public and non-government sectors, as well as strong international linkages through his overseas development experience. Matt’s focus is on promptly delivering projects to the highest quality. He is also enthusiastic about involving all stakeholders in coming up with better and more efficient ways of doing things. + mountain biking + skiing + science fiction |
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Paul is a Director of Allen + Clarke, alongside Matt Allen and Dave Clarke. Paul is an experienced public policy professional with a background in policy development and implementation, strategic planning, contracting, service development and implementation, development of regulatory frameworks and the implementation of new legislation. He has specific experience in cross-sector work, involving government and non-governmental agencies. Paul has previously held roles in the Treasury, the Department of Internal Affairs and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Key areas of experience include strategic planning, business case development, cost recovery, local government, emergency management, resource management, sustainable land management, building control, flood risk management and national security legislation. phouliston@allenandclarke.co.nz + playing sport + involvement in community organisations |
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Anna Gribble BSc, BA, DPH Anna is an experienced policy analyst and project manager with a strong background in a range of regulatory and service development-oriented across the field of public health. This includes designing services in consultation with affected communities, reviewing regulatory options, developing and reviewing strategic planning documents, and conducting research to inform policy decisions. She has worked in and across a number of government agencies in New Zealand and with international organisations such as the World Health Organization. + gardening queen + mum |
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Elizabeth Underhill BA, Grad Dip(Tch) Elizabeth manages the Allen + Clarke financial and support services and is well qualified in practice management, having spent many years in this role in both London and Wellington. Earlier in her career, Elizabeth was a fully qualified secondary teacher and taught in Dunedin. She is highly goal oriented and her excellent organisational skills and proven experience are invaluable to the Allen + Clarke team. eunderhill@allenandclarke.co.nz + volunteer work for SPCA and Kaibosh |
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Marnie Carter BA, PG Dip (SSER) Marnie is a specialist in social research and evaluation. She is experienced in programme and policy evaluation, monitoring, strategy development, training and facilitation. Marnie takes a participatory approach to all her work and is skilled in utilising a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She has a background in the not for profit sector and has worked in health, social development and local government contexts. Marnie is particularly interested in evaluation as a tool for social change. She has recently worked on the evaluation of two health programmes targeting remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. She has also led the development of a monitoring and evaluation toolkit for Pacific nations' non-communicable disease prevention programmes, designed and implemented a quality assurance system for out of school programmes, and developed an outcomes framework for a local council. Marnie is a member of the Australasian Evaluation Society and is a board member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association (ANZEA). + snowboarding + scuba diving + tramping + concerts and music festivals |
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Ned Hardie-Boys BA(Hons), MA Ned is a senior associate with Allen + Clarke, specialising in evaluation, research and monitoring. He has extensive experience in social research and evaluation from design and implementation through to analysis and reporting. Ned has proven ability in both formative and summative evaluation approaches, and in a range of research and evaluation methods. He also has strong analytical ability with both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Ned has recently worked on a complex evaluation of health programmes targeting remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, a strategic health plan in the Pacific, research for the Australian Government on tobacco disclosure, and designing evaluation and monitoring frameworks for central and local government agencies in New Zealand. nhardie-boys@allenandclarke.co.nz + skiing/snowboarding + intermittent surfing |
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Rob Smith LLB, BA Rob is a highly experienced public policy practitioner and project manager with experience in both public and private sectors: public health, building control and housing, border security, social and community development, injury prevention, and professional/occupational regulation. Rob is experienced at reviewing legislation and completing projects that require an assessment of whether government intervention is necessary to achieve policy goals – and if so, then determining the most appropriate form of intervention (regulatory or non-regulatory). Rob regularly undertakes international development assistance projects, which require his legal and strategic policy skills. He has successfully delivered on projects in the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. Rob obtained his Law degree and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury. + travel + football + cricket + mountain biking + dad |
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Sarah McDonald BSC, MPH, DipTheol Sarah is a Managing Associate with Allen + Clarke. She is an experienced policy analyst, strategic planner and project manager with a background in local government, public health, housing, community development and sport and recreation. Sarah has strong analytical ability with both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Sarah has recently led the implementation of a high profile government initiative. This involved working with the sector and affected community groups to design and implement the programme to best meet the needs in each target area. She was also involved in reviewing the Maternity Referral Guidelines as part of the Maternity Quality and Safety programme. Sarah has undertaken projects for the Department of Building and Housing, Ministry of Transport and for The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. smcdonald@allenandclarke.co.nz + camping + tramping + skiing + mountain biking |
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Stephanie Coutts BA, Grad Dip (underway) Stephanie is a Managing Associate here at Allen + Clarke. She has experience working for the New Zealand and Australian Governments managing and supporting operational, policy and legislative reform work programmes. She has also represented both Governments overseas. Stephanie's experience includes immigration and border control, community policy and indigenous affairs. She has a background in legislative review and development and has managed and supported large-scale community consultation processes. She also has experience as a Business Manager where she supported the development and implementation of an organisational development programme and workforce plan for a large policy and research team. Stephanie strongly believes in engaging stakeholders with a clear objective and being open and accountable in the policy process. + food rescue + volunteer coordination + craft beer education |
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Alex Beattie LLB, BA (Hons) Alex is an Associate at Allen + Clarke. He has excellent critical thinking, written and oral communication skills, and experience in client management and stakeholder engagement. Alex has been involved in a number of legal policy projects at Allen + Clarke. He has developed a best practice report on regulating outdoor smoking and designed a model tobacco retail licensing scheme. Alex has also led and contributed to a number of public health policy projects. These included managing, delivering and implementing a number of health support services for chemically exposed populations, and developing a national health strategic plan for the Pacific. Alex has provided in-house support for Government agencies, including ministerial servicing and submissions analysis for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. + tennis + film + music + travel |
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Alex Hogg BSC, BA(Hons), MIP Alex has recently joined Allen + Clarke as an Associate. Alex has extensive experience working in a range of different sectors including the non-governmental and the public sector in New Zealand and Australia. With a background in international politics, Alex is skilled in relationship management, research, policy development and analysis. She continues to have a strong interest in Australian politics and international affairs. + travel + tramping + swimming + ballet + watching sport |
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Amelia Dalley Bachelor Degrees in Geography + Political Science Amelia is an Associate at Allen + Clarke. She has experience working in both central and local government with expertise in Crown-Maori relationships and Treaty of Waitangi issues. She has strong analytical skills and extensive experience in policy development. Amelia's strengths and interests include indigenous and environmental policy. She enjoys projects that require community engagement and is experienced at working with community groups and running consultation processes. Recently Amelia was involved in the development of a best practice model for smoking cessation services for pregnant women. During this project she enjoyed meeting with community providers and discussing best practice with them. + sailing + lindy hop swing + karate |
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Catherine Lewis BSc, BSA Catherine is an experienced policy analyst, project manager and evaluation practitioner. She is experienced in stakeholder engagement, and has worked with a number of indigenous cultures in a variety of contexts including: an evaluation of aboriginal health programmes, projects requiring extensive consultation with Maori and Pacific service providers, and a volunteer project in Peru. Catherine has worked with and for a number of government agences and has recently provided in-house support for the Office of Treaty Settlements, the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust and the Ministry of Social Development. Catherine currently manages the national drinking-water advice and coordination service for the Ministry of Health, which provides technical support and advice to public health unit staff and other sector stakeholders across the country. + farming + travel + baking + wildlife |
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Cat has a background in support services across a number of sectors including IT, Insurance, Tertiary and Health. She has experience in contracts and third party supplier management, accounts, compliance, operating resources procurement, fleet and property management. Cat is extremely results orientated and has a high service ethic towards clients. She is also skilled in data and trend analysis and has extensive experience working on multiple projects. ckwocksun@allenandclarke.co.nz + proud Mum + boxing + art + motorcycles |
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Ella Spittle BCom, PGDip Arts (with Distinction) Ella is an experienced policy and research analyst having previously worked at the McGuinness Institute, and completed a summer research bursary at the University of Otago. Past projects she has contributed to involved exploring options for New Zealand’s constitutional framework and long-term fiscal position, assisting with strategic development for local government, and developing a market analysis of household energy consumption behaviour and attitudes. She has also contributed to research papers and submissions on central government economic, environmental, and social policy. Ella has a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (with Distinction) majoring in politics, and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in marketing and design from the University of Otago. During postgraduate studies she focussed on political theory, and minority rights and representation. She also enjoyed taking papers on security challenges in the Pacific, social and economic inequality in New Zealand, and political marketing. + skiing + tennis + spanish + mountain biking + cooking |
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Hannah is an Associate with Allen + Clarke. She has a background in internationl development background, having worked for non-governmental organisations in New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. She has experience in project management, administration and research, and has worked on projects in the arts, health and education. Hannah's strengths lie in her excellent communication skills and she enjoys work that is community-based. Hannah has a strong interest in public health, particularly within New Zealand and the Pacific. + good books + good tea |
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Henley McKegg BA (Hons), MA Henley has a public sector policy background, and previously worked at the Treasury. He has expertise with a range of central government processes and can make connections across a wide variety of topic areas. As a communicator he draws on previous experience in government, tutoring at university, and teaching English in New Zealand and overseas. He is committed to providing robust, quality advice. Henley has expertise in Public Finance Act requirements and has provided advice to Ministers through five consecutive Budgets. At the Treasury's National Infrastructure Unit, he provided advice on a wide range of Transport issues. Henley also has several years of experience in social development policy issues, both at Treasury and the Ministry of Social Development. + film + music + travel + literary pretensions + armchair critic |
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Jacqui Haggland BA (1st Class Hons), GradDip Tch (Sec), MAdLitNumEd (Distinction) Jacqui has a background in tertiary education provision and research, and arts, culture and heritage administration. Prior to joining Allen + Clarke, Jacqui worked in the public sector for six years, including two years in Parliament. During that time she contributed to strategic and operational policy design, resource development and educator capability in the foundation tertiary sector. Since joining Allen + Clarke Jacqui has been involved in core policy and programme implementation linked to the education and health Better Public Services targets. She has also worked on projects in the health and safety sector and on tobacco control. Jacqui is able to think outside the square, and is keen to ensure that research and policy development includes understandings from the coalface. She is an experienced communicator, having presented at forums and conferences in New Zealand and Australia. jhaggland@allenandclarke.co.nz + triathlon + trail running + spending time with family and friends |
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Jessie McMath BA (1st Class Hons) Jessie has recently joined Allen + Clarke as an Associate. She has a background in Sociology, is skilled in research and analysis, and is an excellent critical thinker with the ability to communicate dense information in a succinct and clear manner. Jessie has experience working on a broad range of topics spanning organic agriculture, co-parenting in New Zealand and most notably strategies of water governance in response to the growing global concern regarding water scarcity and issues of water quality. Jessie's research to date has fuelled an interest in understanding society, and working to create positive change. Jessie intends to take her research to new areas, and more advanced levels, contributing to various projects for our clients. + netball + reading + friends & family + wining & dining + dog lover |
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Kelly Devoy LLB, BSc Kelly is an Associate at Allen + Clarke. Her background is in law, chemistry and biological sciences. Kelly has excellent research and critical analysis skills, and she enjoys applying them to a wide range of issues. Kelly has contributed to a number of projects for central government and other organisations, both nationally and internationally. She has recently worked on projects for the Health Quality and Safety Commission, support for the Ministry of Health Drinking Water Capital Assistance scheme, and also has provided in-house secretariat support at the Ministry of Health. + travel + reading + running |
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Kelly has come from the Industry Training Organisation sector, with a strong client services background. She has experience in the apprenticeship model, insurance and government agencies. Living overseas and travelling, has given her a wide understanding of different cultures and diverse backgrounds which has helped in dealing with a wide variety of clients. She is highly goal oriented and her excellent organisational skills with her practical work experience and solid educational experience has made her a contribution to the team. + exercise + running + gardening + baking |
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Sarah is an experienced project administrator and analyst. Her strengths lie in her great communication, attention to detail and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. She has assisted on a wide range of work including research, aiding with the writing of reports and policy, administrative tasks and off-site work with clients. Sarah is currently studying at Victoria University, working towards completing a degree in law, politics and history. + cinema + concerts + popular penguins |
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Anna is currently studying law and social policy at Victoria University, and has been working at Allen and Clarke providing administration support since moving to Wellington in 2011. Anna takes on a wide range of tasks that include the running of the office and project support. + cooking + travel + miniature pigs + theatre |
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Kim Roughan Kim is an experienced office administrator who works in a part-time job share role at Allen + Clarke. She provides support for all of our office staff, has a sound knowledge of office systems and has excellent time management and organisational skills. + busy mum + floral design + cooking + gardening |
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Mary Alexander Mary is an experienced office administrator who has worked across a variety of industries including the banking, health and food safety sectors. She has worked for both public and private organisations and loves the challenge of juggling the many tasks that a busy office environment presents. malexander@allenandclarke.co.nz + football + cricket + gardening + cooking + baking |
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Philippa Tinetti Philippa has recently joined Allen + Clarke in the Systems & Sales Support role. She has over 15 years experience in administration/support roles in New Zealand as well as the UK and Australia. Philippa's work focus is mainly on the Quality Assurance and Project Management procedures within Allen + Clarke, as well as staff training and supporting the Business Development team. + travel + reading + gardening |
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