Natasha Kuka

Natasha has more than 20 years’ experience in economic and social policy and is a trusted adviser to ministers and other senior leaders.

She’s an expert in designing and implementing regulatory policy and funding policy, and also helps agencies apply softer policy levers, such as information and support, to change behaviour. Natasha is adept at helping agencies find a way ahead when the range of stakeholders spans different cultures, communities, regions, or sectors.

In both her professional and her personal life Natasha is driven by her passion for Māori success.

• Acting Head of Strategy and Insights at the Water-Services Authority | Taumata Arowai, a complex role covering communications, strategy and governance, and data and insights functions
• Leading the legislative process of the early-learning network management function at the Ministry of Education, a new regime requiring new providers of early childhood education to obtain ministerial approval to operate
• One of the reviewers of Regulatory Performance and Capability at Waka Kotahi after systemic regulatory failures at the agency
• Adviser to the Board and Tumu Whakarae (CEO) of Te Mātāwai, the agency responsible for revitalising te reo Māori.