People • Place • Future Consulting

Research and strategy for local government and community organisations, with a focus on conservation, climate and placemaking.People • Place • Future Consulting helps councils and communities build better partnerships, improve decision-making, and plan with integrity.Services include:Local government reform and systems improvements planningGovernance and relationship frameworksCommunity engagement and researchPolicy analysis and developmentSubmissions and consultationTailored guidance for elected members and community boardsAn approach that blends evidence-based insights with on-the-ground experience, coupled with a understanding of legislation, national and local policy and political awareness - to deliver practical, collaborative solutions that respect the realities of budgets, communities, and climate.

A proven track record

I know what effective, grassroots leadership looks like.Voted onto the Inglewood Community Board I have on the ground experience.Elected to represent our communities at Local Government NZ, I am Chair of the Community Board Executive (CBEC), advocating nationally for the value of local decision-making.I’ve worked with the Remuneration Authority, planned and presented at the Community Boards Conference 2024, as well as spoken nationally, straight after Prime Minister Luxon's 'Back to Basics' Speech. I also served on LGNZ’s Future of Local Government Advisory Group.In 2025, I spearheaded a national project - launched at SuperLocal - that showcases how councils and community boards can build stronger partnerships. This work is shifting policy settings and lifting the status of boards across Aotearoa.I build partnerships with people who want the best for everyone, who have integrity, good ideas and passion in equal measure, regardless of their position or title.

About Sarah

I bring together a background that’s both deeply local and globally informed.
From growing up on a UK council estate under Thatcher, to working in post-war Kosovo and Kathmandu with a toddler, to raising three neurodiverse sons in Taranaki — I’ve learned that resilience, empathy, and justice matter in every setting.As a small business owner (Be Natural Soap), surf lifeguard and patrol captain, and Deputy Chair of the Eastern Taranaki Environment Collective, I understand the everyday realities of running a household, paying a mortgage, and contributing to the community.I’ve served as Chair of the Community Board Executive for Local Government NZ, as well as on the Inglewood Community Board, and remain a strong advocate for localism, the belief that communities thrive when decisions are made as close as possible to the people they affect.

If your council, board, or organisation is ready to strengthen community relationships and plan for the future, let’s start a conversation.Contact meE: [email protected]P: 021 179 1242