We
make
engagement
simple.

Founder, Principal Consultant | Kaitūhono Ariki

Holly Suzanne Bennett

Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao

Holly is a zealous advocate of transparent, accessible government and has a keen interest in the effectiveness of New Zealand’s regulatory systems.

Graduating with a law degree from the University of Auckland, Holly was admitted to the bar in 2013 and spent four years working in the Beehive before founding Awhi at the end of 2017.

In 2022 she was named Young Business Person of the Year at the Newmarket Business Awards and took out the People and Capability category at the MWDI Māori Business Women Awards. She is a columnist for National Business Review and also founded New Zealand’s first government relations education and training organisation Engage.

Te Arawa (loud and) proud, Holly continues to look for ways to innovate government relations in Aotearoa, ensuring the expert industry is something everyone can access.

Senior Consultant | Kaitūhono Matua

Daniela Maoate-Cox

Daniela is a vehement proponent for breaking down barriers to information so people can make informed decisions. An experienced communicator, she worked as a journalist for eight years, four of those covering the inner workings of Parliament as the Host of RNZ’s The House – a look into legislation, issues and insights from Parliament.

Daniela holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and Graduate Diploma in Journalism from University of Canterbury and most recently led the communications team for Parliamentary Service and the Office of the Clerk, focused on internal and external comms, as well as increasing public engagement with parliament.

Of English and Cook Island descent Daniela grew up in Ōtautahi | Christchurch before moving to Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington in 2014. She has a keen interest in the Pacific diaspora and how the unique cultural makeup in Aotearoa New Zealand impacts people’s place in society.

Senior Consultant | Kaitūhono Matua

Jesse Thompson

Ngāruahine, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngai Tahu

Jesse is an experienced political strategist, with over a decade of experience working on political campaigns. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, he moved to Brisbane in 2011 to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Journalism at the University of Queensland. 

On his return to Aotearoa, Jesse spent four years on the board and policy council of the New Zealand Labour Party. He has also delivered training workshops on transformative change-making and the creation of compelling campaign narratives in Europe and South-East Asia.

Having worked across the Australian and New Zealand parliaments in both communications and advisory roles, Jesse has an extensive and practical understanding of the inner workings of both central and local government.

Consultant | Kaitūhono

Nayan Sharma

Nayan was born and raised on the west coast of Tāmaki Makaurau. He completed his Bachelors of Communications in 2021 with a focus on Marketing and Film and Television at the Auckland University of Technology.

Nayan worked as a Community Manager for a sustainable apparel brand, where he was responsible for managing marketing campaigns, event activations and liaising with local businesses and influencers. Through this role Nayan gained an interest in political affairs and wanted to play a bigger role in how the government was represented toward a younger generation.

Nayan is a people focused individual who uses his creative eye to support local communities and individuals through an artistic lens. With his creative mind and knack for public relations, he is well versed in establishing lasting and meaningful relationships and communities, of all scales.

Consultant | Kaitūhono

Mikayla Thompson

Ngāpuhi

Mikayla is a driven professional with an extensive background in public policy and politics. Her expertise aligns with a fervent dedication to fostering positive change in Aotearoa. With a profound appreciation for te ao Māori, she weaves cultural insight into her approach to all mahi.

Completing her Master’s degree in Public Policy in early 2022, Mikayla also holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Management as well as a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Auckland.

In her most recent role as a Junior Policy Advisor at the EMA, Mikayla played a pivotal role advocating for New Zealand businesses, and brings experience across central and local government as well as political experience working in the electorate office of the Green MP for Auckland Central.