Sacha McMeeking: Change Agent

Catalytic, adj. an action between two or more persons or forces, initiated by an agent that itself remains unaffected by the action.
By Nakita Ardern

Catalytic … quite an apt description for a business birthed by one of the great change agents of our society.
Of Ngai Tahu descent Sacha McMeeking once believed that the law was the way to change the world. She now believes that the most effective way to make your voice heard is to create solutions.

“The answer ‘no’ is like a dead end that means no one has much room to move. The answer ‘no, but have you considered the X, Y or Z alternative solutions’ creates the space for solution building that meets the maximum suite of interests,” she explains.

The soft spoken 34-year-old is principal of Catalytic; a boutique consultancy providing expert advice in government relations, public policy and corporate social responsibility, and strategic support in relationship management and Iwi development and governance.

Over time she worked her way to General Manager of Strategy and Influence with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu where she was responsible for leading the external affairs portfolio for the Iwi spanning government engagement, public policy, brand and reputation.