About us
A model made for flexibility.
We're specialists in strategic communications, government relations, and regulatory affairs, known for deep subject matter expertise and the ability to deploy fast and effectively.
We solve your critical capacity and capability challenges with our collaborative approach and a team of results-driven experts who deliver.
Our in-house team is complemented by a nationwide network of independent consultants who bring specialist skills and subject matter expertise to client projects and retainers as needed.
This means you get the best in the business without the unwieldy agency overhead.
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 social enterprise 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.
Vic is passionate about creating resilient energy futures and seeing all New Zealanders well-housed - she works toward these outcomes as the convenor of the Coalition to End Women's Homelessness and as a member of the Queenstown-Lakes District Council's Climate and Biodiversity Reference Group. She is deeply committed to seeing a thriving creative economy too and has recently joined the Board of the Regional Arts Organisation, the Three Lakes Cultural Trust.
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, Social Investment Agency, 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.
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
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“I love the flexibility, collaboration, and mix of experts that Heft has in its stable. Being able to bounce ideas off such a talented and experienced group of people gives you confidence that you'll be providing clients with the best possible advice and support.”
Gwynn Compton, Heft consultant
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