Meet our team

Complex Conversations Team Leaders

Anne Bardsley has a background in science and expertise in evidence synthesis and knowledge brokerage at the science-policy interface. Her work applies systems thinking to complex and long-term societal issues, and looks at how better collective decisions can be made to enhance societal resilience and wellbeing, using tools of deliberative democracy. She has been involved in researching, designing and facilitating citizens’ assemblies and online engagements in Aotearoa New Zealand, including new versions of Pol.is in partnership with The Computational Democracy Project. She was recognised in the 2020 New Year Honours as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contributions to science and the State.

Kristiann Allen is an experienced policy practitioner-turned-researcher. She is interested in the dynamics of the knowledge/policy interface for better informed decisions. Building on the role of public values in this work, an emerging area of research is in deliberative public decision making, which combines multiple types of knowledge and values in a process of public deliberation on complex problems that require collective action. Kristiann has worked at the intersection of public research systems and public decision making in multiple contexts globally, having consulted on the establishment of mechanisms for evidence-informed public policy nationally and internationally.

Tatjana Buklijas has a background in social studies of science and medicine. She is interested in the ways in which scientific knowledge is created and deployed in changing political and social circumstances.

Complex Conversations Team

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal (Marutūahu, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngā Puhi) has written and advised extensively on aspects of mātauranga Māori and iwi histories and traditions. Previously he was Professor of Indigenous Development; and Director, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, University of Auckland.

Jacquie Bay has a background in health science and education. She has experience in developing strategies that help people explore different perspectives regarding complex social issues.

Gavin Ellis is an honorary fellow in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Auckland. A former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald, he has six decades of experience in the practice and study of journalism and communications. He is the author of three books and numerous research papers on the current and future state of New Zealand media. He also writes on propaganda and disinformation and is the co-author of a series of papers on the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Simon Wright has been a public engagement practitioner since the mid-2000s with expertise in deliberative and online processes, working for organisations such as Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council and the Wellington City Council (WCC). He is a member of the Public Service Commission’s Expert Advisory Panel for the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and has served on the Board of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) (Australasia). His work using the Pol.is online engagement platform is recognised as world leading.

Caeden Tipler is a student journalist and youth voice in democracy advocate. They were co-director of Make It 16 over 2021-2023, a youth led advocacy group committed to strengthening youth voice in our democracy by lowering the voting age. During this time Make It 16 brought a successful case in the Supreme Court, setting significant precedent. In their role as an advisor since 2023, Caeden has continued to play a strong advocacy role. Alongside their studies in history and communications, they also host the 95bFM news and current affairs show The Wire.

Jillian Hildreth is a PhD student whose research explores the potential of deliberative democracy methods in health communication. She is using her design and communication skills to support many of the Complex Conversations projects.