About us
We’re the extra heft you need.
We're specialists in strategic communications, government relations, and regulatory affairs. We’re known for our deep subject matter expertise and the ability to deploy quickly and effectively.
We solve your critical capacity and capability challenges with our collaborative approach and a team of results-driven experts who deliver.
Our senior in-house team is complemented by a nationwide network of independent consultants who bring specialist skills to client projects and retainers as needed.
Your Heft HQ team
Victoria Crockford
Executive Director
Tāhuna - Queenstown
Victoria has a diverse professional background, working in communications, government relations, and executive leadership across the housing, energy, and community sectors - for not-for-profits, large corporations, and start-ups, including Flick Electric, Z Energy, and Community Housing Aotearoa.
Her specialty is cutting through complex policy, regulatory, and market systems so that communities and startups have the opportunity to contribute and compete. She has led communications, government relations, and stakeholder engagement for some of the most complex crisis response and regulatory reform programs of the past decade, including climate policy, electricity prices, and frontline COVID response.
Vic is passionate about contributing to a thriving Aotearoa through regional and national governance roles in the arts and housing sectors.
Sarah Johnson
General Manager
Te Whanganui a Tara - Wellington
Sarah is a senior communications and brand leader known for translating complex policy into compelling narratives that drive results. With deep expertise across media relations, stakeholder engagement, and brand activation, Sarah has led strategies for clients ranging from airlines to heads of state.
In New Zealand, she has navigated the unique intersection of brand awareness, public policy, iwi relations, and government agency engagement, working as a trusted advisor to the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, New Zealand Police, and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, directing cross-functional teams through high- profile and politically significant launches.
Building credibility with diverse stakeholders and delivering award-winning campaigns that transform reputation and influence, Sarah's experience, from Middle Eastern markets to global brands, brings a sophisticated, culturally informed approach to New Zealand's increasingly interconnected stakeholder landscape.
Isabel Bradley
Account Manager
Tāhuna - Queenstown
Isabel has worked across policy and project management in the UK Civil Service and Victorian Government. She has specialised in complex programs — including significant criminal justice reform, large-scale government coordination, and supporting businesses through the EU Exit transition.
She is skilled in building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering clear, practical outcomes across complex client needs.
Hear from our consultants
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“Heft has amazing clients across a broad range of industries. From the arts, to finance, to health, to not for profit organisations that make New Zealand a better place, Heft gives you the ability to work with the best.”
Kate Oktay, Heft consultant
Got a question?
Reach out to us today