Kevin Jenkins

Founder | Kaiwhakatū
Wellington

Kevin works at the intersection of business, innovation and regulation. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a trusted adviser across a broad span of organisations in the public, private and not for profit sectors.

Kevin is known for providing an alternative view and provoking clients to think creatively about the challenges they face. He is called on by Boards and other leadership teams to solve problems that may seem daunting or impossible and being willing to ask difficult questions.

Throughout his career, Kevin has spearheaded significant and sensitive inquiries, including where concerns have been raised about public agencies, and “value for money” reviews. He has supported companies and industry bodies to set new goals and the strategy to achieve those.

Kevin brings deep curiosity and focus, getting fully immersed in the work at hand. He advises on designing and implementing governance arrangements. He led the government response to the leaky buildings crisis and helped to design and establish Callaghan Innovation.

While Kevin has worked across a wide range of sectors – his sweet spot is where business, innovation and regulation converge. His work spans organisations large and small – from major public sector organisations to sports clubs and social agencies.

Kevin publishes articles in New Zealand Policy Quarterly, Kia Ora India, the Asia Media Centre, The Spinoff, and the Institute of Public Administration of NZ. He is a contributor for the NZ Herald.

Examples of Kevin’s work

  • Working with a large public service agency to ensure its climate change functions were high performing.

  • Leading a review of land transport leading to new policy and funding arrangements and new institutions.

  • Working with a central agency to establish a new entity.

  • Working with the board of Infrastructure NZ to tighten its focus and work programme.

  • Working with an electrical contracting firm to present an investment case to Ministers.

Kevin’s memberships and governance roles

Kevin is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. He has held numerous governance roles over his career. Current roles include:

  • Chair of the Advisory Board of the School of Government at Victoria University

  • Investment Board member for Statistics New Zealand

  • Risk and Assurance Committee member for NZ Defence

Project Examples