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What we do
We transform complex policy challenges into practical solutions that work. We help you understand what you’re trying to achieve and develop the right policy approach to get there.
Our approach combines rigorous analysis, with practical implementation knowledge ensuring you see beyond theory to what works in practice.
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In-depth analysis that evaluates your policy options so you understand all the risks, benefits, and costs.
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Targeted stakeholder engagement and practical insights that support evidence-based policy development.
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Straightforward frameworks that turn policy implementation into clear actions for your team.
Policy Development + Implementation
We support clients from the beginning to end of policy development – from defining problems and conducting literature reviews, to evaluating options and implementing change. We make it easy for you to find a way forward by offering recommendations backed by public engagement and thematic analysis. We draft key documentation (e.g. Cabinet papers) and provide supporting research, cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, and peer-review processes.
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Cost-benefit analysis - evaluating the social, economic, and other impacts using quantitative and qualitative research.
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International research - analysing global trends using literature reviews and case study evidence that applies to New Zealand.
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Guidance documents - developing hands-on plans to help you enact change.
Regulatory Stewardship
We help you fulfil your regulatory stewardship obligations by evaluating your existing regulations against best practices and providing advice on future design. Our evidence-based approach ensures your regulatory systems remain effective, responsive and trusted by those they affect.
Continuous improvement
Ongoing monitoring, assessment and updates to regulations to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Stakeholder Engagement
We facilitate meaningful consultation processes that build legitimacy and improve compliance with regulatory requirements.
Future Proofing
We identify emerging trends and potential disruptions to help you adapt to challenging regulatory needs.
Stakeholder Engagement + Submissions Analysis
Since 2023, the effectiveness of our public engagement means Allen + Clarke has analysed more than 735,000 policy submissions, including triaging over 300,000 submissions on New Zealand's 2025 Treaty Principles Bill. This approach to stakeholder engagement ensures clients get diverse input from subject matter experts, and interested or impacted groups.
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Designing public engagement strategies - developing targeted consultation processes that ensure meaningful participation.
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Leading stakeholder engagement - running structured interviews, focus groups, and surveys that capture varied perspectives.
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Delivering thematic submissions analysis - providing recommendations to inform your decision-making.
Related Projects
Related Projects
Past Webinars
45 minute watch
Navigating Shifting Regulatory Landscapes: Trans-Tasman insights
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Projects
Less than a minute to read
Reducing adverse maternal and infant outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand: Clinical Guidelines for Better Maternal Care
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Standards + Guidelines
We combine rigorous literature reviews with thematic analysis to develop scientific health policy standards. We've been able to give healthcare practitioners constructive guidelines across complex areas like maternity care and assisted dying.
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Comparative guideline analysis - conducting structured reviews to establish best practices in health policy.
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Evidence synthesis - analysing themes from peer-reviewed studies to ensure any guidelines and standards are backed by evidence.
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Standards and guidelines development - collaborating with experts to translate evidence and knowledge into health policy.
Working with us
Our Process
Understand
We clarify objectives by challenging assumptions and gathering insights.
Plan
We craft a tailored roadmap to prevent future complications.
Deliver
We execute with transparency while proactively addressing emerging challenges.
Review
We validate recommendations through inclusive sensemaking sessions.
Close
We reflect on learnings while recognising team accomplishments.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle politically sensitive issues?
Our team have experience working on both politically and commercially sensitive issues. For any sensitive issue we ensure there are clear expectations up-front and robust risk management processes in place. Our team ensures there is balanced consideration of different viewpoints and options, and present findings and recommendations in a way that acknowledges the political realities while remaining evidence-based.
How do you maintain objectivity when analysing stakeholder submissions?
Our team have extensive experience with analysing submissions and practice with maintaining objectivity. Our submissions analysis process uses a structured analytical methodology, and we often incorporate multiple analysts or reviewers to provide quality assurance checks. Our approach aims to present the views of stakeholders independently, with any critical analysis or insight clearly delineated from stakeholder viewpoints.
Can you help us to develop legal standards or guidelines?
Yes, our team have expertise in developing legally robust standards and guidelines. We work closely with your legal advisors to ensure that any standards or guidelines are practical and have the right balance of certainty and flexibility.
How do you approach developing policy in areas with limited evidence or precedent?
In emerging areas we develop theoretical frameworks, complete first principles analysis, and consider what evidence from similar or related fields or other jurisdictions may be able to tell us. We ensure that any solutions we design are flexible to adapt as evidence emerges or the situation changes.
How do you handle policy projects that span multiple government agencies?
We know that projects that span multiple government agencies have unique challenges. We help clients to navigate this complexity by identifying interdependencies, establishing joint working arrangements and ensuring consistent communications. We have specific experience facilitating collaborative policy development across agency boundaries.