Holly Suzanne Bennett

Kaiwhakahaere | Managing Director

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 political roles for two National Party Ministers 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 has been a columnist for both NBR and Newsroom and also founded Aotearoa 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.

Meet Our
‍TEAM.

Daniela Maoate-Cox

Kaitūhono Matua | Senior Consultant

Rarotonga, Paratane

Daniela is a vehement proponent for breaking down barriers to information so people can make informed decisions.

Jesse Thompson

Kaitūhono Matua | Senior Consultant

Ngāruahine, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngai Tahu

Jesse is an experienced political strategist, with over a decade of experience working on political campaigns.

Dave Agnew

Kaitūhono Mātāmua | Junior Consultant

Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu

Dave is an experienced communications and engagement professional, and is enthusiastic about making Parliament more accessible and engaging.

Mikayla Thompson

Kaitūhono | Consultant

Ngāpuhi

Mikayla is a driven professional with an extensive background in public policy and politics. Her expertise aligns with a dedication to fostering positive change.

Kia tātai
pūmanawa
ki te ora.

Awhi binds (tātai) different talents (pūmanawa) together for the wellbeing of everyone involved (ora). By acting as the central force that joins these people together, Awhi brings social and economic good to all who choose to engage.

Learn about our name