KAUPAPA MĀORI · STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Strategy, advocacy & voice for leaders who want to be heard.

We work with boards, iwi and mission-driven organisations to cut through noise and shape public conversation about topics that matter.

Sarah Sparks
Ā mātou mahi · What we do

Case studies across strategy to tactical.

01

Strategic Communications

Clear strategy, sharp messaging and campaign design aligned to your kaupapa.

02

Media Relations

Positioning, media outreach and spokesperson prep — from press release to prime-time.

03

Speechwriting & Copy

Speeches, op-eds and executive commentary that carry conviction.

04

Policy & Advocacy

Submissions, ministerial briefings and coalition advocacy that moves decision-makers.

05

Indigenous Rights

Te Tiriti-grounded advocacy, supporting iwi and Māori organisations to lift indigenous voice.

06

Government Relations

Stakeholder and government engagement that builds trust and social licence.

07

Research Launches

Research insights that transform evidence into action by shifting narratives, influencing policy and changing systems.

08

Digital Campaigns

Multi-channel storytelling that turns strategy into public momentum.

09

Social Media

Strategic content planning with platform management that strengthens reputation and engagement.

"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini."

My strength is not that of one, but the strength of many.

Sarah Sparks
Ko wai mātou · About

Senior counsel for boards, iwi and mission-led organisations.

Sparks Consulting brings together strategy, advocacy and communications to help leaders perform in complex moments.

Led by Sarah Sparks, we combine policy insight, media instinct and Te Tiriti-grounded practice to advance your kaupapa.

Sarah is a member of PRINZ — the Public Relations Institute of Aotearoa. New Zealand.

View media profile →
Ō mātou tāngata · Our team

Meet our dream team.

Sarah Sparks

Sarah Sparks

Founder & Director

sarah.sparks@sparksconsulting.co.nz
Murdoch Ngahau

Murdoch Ngahau

Digital Content Creation

murdoch@sparksconsulting.co.nz
Eru West

Eru West

Strategic Comms & Social Media

eruera@sparksconsulting.co.nz
Tō mātou huarahi · Our approach

Preparation meets moment.

Small, senior teams. Close to the decision. Relentless about the outcome.

Clarity
Cut to what matters.
Courage
Say the true thing, well.
Craft
Every word considered.
Care
Built on trust.
KI NGĀ PĀPĀHO · IN THE MEDIA

Voices in the national conversation.

Commentary, columns and panel appearances across NZ Herald, RNZ, TVNZ , Sunday Star-Times and Boardroom Magazine.

Full portfolio →
Ā mātou mahi · Our work

Case studies.

Kaupapa we've carried from rural localities to newsrooms to the world stage.

Rewi Maniapoto Reserve waharoa featured on the Te Tiratū Hauora 2026 report series
Hauora · Research & advocacy

Te Tiratū Hauora Report Series 2026

Communications and advocacy support for a kaupapa aMāori hauora research series - shaping how the findings landed with media, officials and communities.

Read the report series
Waitangi Tribunal hearing set up inside a wharenui
Te Tiriti · Media engagement

Waitangi Tribunal media engagement

Spokesperson preparation, media strategy and rapid-response commentary through Waitangi Tribunal proceedings - keeping the kaupapa clear under national scrutiny.

See the coverage
United Nations committee session chamber
Indigenous rights · International

Advocating at the United Nations

Taking indigenous rights advocacy from Aotearoa to the international stage, with messaging and positioning built for a global audience.

View the thread
Ngā pānui pāpāho · Media releases

Stories we've taken to the newsroom.

Roimata Smail7 August 2026

Bestseller author releases new guide to understanding Te Tiriti and government

Barrister Roimata Smail releases Understanding Kāwanatanga, a 36-page plain-language handbook on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, kāwanatanga and how government works in Aotearoa.

Read the release (PDF) →
Te Kōhao Health3 August 2026

Māori health providers unite to scale home-based care across the central and eastern North Island

Six kaupapa Māori providers establish Te Kāhui o te Manawa Taki, strengthening whānau-centred home and community care for up to 280,000 Māori.

Read the release (PDF) →
WIPCE Aotearoa3 August 2026

Two Māori cousins appointed to shape the future of global Indigenous education movement

Jaye Wainui and Dr Toiroa Williams appointed Aotearoa representatives on the WIPCE International Council, guiding one of the world's largest Indigenous education movements.

Read the release (PDF) →
TOAH-NNEST21 July 2026

Sexual violence advocates call for reform to consent law now – not after the election

The national peak body for more than 40 specialist sexual violence organisations calls on the Government to progress affirmative consent law reform before the general election.

Read the release (PDF) →
Te Kōhao Health20 July 2026

Inspiring the next generation of Māori health professionals

Fraser High School students visit Te Kōhao Health through the Te Rau Oranga Scholarship Programme to explore career pathways across the health sector.

Read the release (PDF) →
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board13 July 2026

New Te Kūiti Hauora Report reveals mounting pressure on rural 'health hub' serving the wider district

The 48-page Te Kūiti Hauora Report shows a young Māori population and a rural service hub carrying the health needs of communities across the wider district.

Read the release (PDF) →
Ngā kupu whakamihi · Reviews

What our clients say.

5.0

10 Google reviews

Read on Google
"Thank you, Sarah, for the outstanding work you do on our behalf. It is vital that journalists and media understand the importance of our mahi, and you have gone above and beyond to truly grasp what we do. Your specialised advice and guidance have ensured our communications are clear, accessible, and succinct, helping us reach the communities who need this information most. We deeply appreciate your commitment and expertise."
Russell SmithTOAH-NNEST NKM Pae Member
"I've had the privilege of working with Sarah over the past couple of years across both media consulting and high-level government advocacy, and I can honestly say she is one of the most impressive professionals I've encountered in this space. What sets Sarah apart is her rare combination of sharp strategic thinking and genuine warmth. Her media connections are exceptional, and she knows exactly how to navigate complex government advocacy landscapes with both confidence and finesse. Every engagement felt considered, proactive, and tailored, never cookie-cutter."
Josh WainuiTumu Whakarae, KFST
"We have been involved in an extremely challenging research project concerning systemic bias and the NZ Police. Sarah has been central to the process of sharing our findings with a range of audiences. Her practical and yet highly strategic advice and her management of our interactions with a range of media and audiences has been impressive. She has become a critical member of the team and has done an outstanding job."
Paul SpoonleyDistinguished Professor ONZM
Pānui · Subscribe

Occasional notes on strategy and the moment.

Short commentary on policy, legislation,  media and public conversation. No noise.

Kōrero ki a mātou · Contact

Let's talk.

Tell us what you're working on. We'll come back to you within a day.

sarah.sparks@sparksconsulting.co.nz
+64 21 318 813
Book a 15-min scoping call →