The Boost: December 2024 Edition

Market Insights and Year-End Reflections

The professional landscape in consulting and communications has evolved drastically over the past twelve months, and as Heft has evolved with it our two Directors have also been shaking things up in the literary and social sectors. In this issue of The Boost we discuss market changes, celebrate wins and highlight key dates and events for our Heft community.

Most of all, we want to celebrate the tenacity of our consultant community and our small team in being creative and adaptive in times that have undoubtedly been tough for many. We’re proud of the work we’ve delivered, the relationships we’ve forged, and the way people have pulled together.

Navigating Today's Talent Marketplace

Over the past five years, we've cultivated a robust community of consultants specialising in all areas of communications and stakeholder engagement - and our network has never been more robust. Over the past six months in particular we have seen a move towards high level strategy work, less business-as-usual and more last minute workstreams needing urgent resource.

Heft is becoming a known community of high-quality candidate for shortlists. Many businesses and HR teams aren’t advertising roles to avoid a flood of applications. Instead, they’re turning to us for quick, targeted shortlists of candidates who can start immediately.

The key to landing these roles? Staying connected and top-of-mind to those who can get them on candidate shortlists. Like us here at Heft. A big thank-you to those who keep in touch - it’s always great to hear from you.

And big welcome to the latest additions to our contractor community, Sean O’Brien and Anthony Clearwater. Sean and Anthony are both incredible political operators who have stepped into dynamic roles at pace for our team – hats off to you both!

Giving a desk space to our comms community 

This year Heft sponsored the Sunday Star Times short story competition, and have increasingly seen our writers’ studio at the Berry Building filling with freelancers and our wider consultant community. People who need a room. Emily spoke about finding a place to do your writing in The Post recently. If that is you, or anyone you know, send them our way. Even if you aren’t currently on a Heft contract, you are welcome at our space.  

Insurance fidelity conference 

Our Executive Director, Vic, was recently part of a debate at the Fidelity Life Insurance Engage conference.  

Alongside Simplicity’s Sam Stubbs and journalist Paddy Gower, they affirmed that it's time for Aotearoa New Zealand to "level up" and make the most of the potential in everyone.  

Up against opponents Trish Sherson of Sherson Willis, Kirk Hope of the Financial Services Council, and journalist Guyon Espiner, the debate has been described as thought provoking, hilarious, and (mostly) respectful. 

The quote of the debate went to Paddy Gower, who managed to both promote his new book, This is the F#$%ing News, and conclude the affirmative team’s argument with: 

“New Zealand, it’s time to level the f*^k up”  

Thanks to Fidelity Life for hosting an important and entertaining conversation.

Folly Journal – addressing echo chambers and breaking records 

Emily's literary venture, Folly Journal, continues to make waves - described as part literature, part Victorian gossip rag, this journal is capturing imaginations across Aotearoa publishing divisive views and fun short content for summer reading. “In this socially divisive time, many of us have forgotten the best conversations occur when we're too busy being amused and intrigued to be outraged.” 

Read Emily’s op ed in the Sunday Star Times, and listen to her interview on RNZ, and Interview with Folly editor, Emily Broadmore | Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts 

Folly sold out 80% of its second issue within a fortnight. According to conversations with other literary editors, this isn’t just a success - it’s unprecedented. 

Folly is stocked by QT Hotel Wellington and is distributed throughout New Zealand. Emily says she is now down to the last box, so if you’re in the market for some reading material that challenges literary boundaries, order yours here. 

Credit: Matthew McCracken. Left to right: Mattehew McCracken, Vic Crockford, Jo Cribb, Helen Robinson, Jan Logie, Sue Lyotall  

Ngā Ara Ki te Kāinga: Understanding Barriers and Solutions to Women’s Homelessness 

The Heft team has also been involved in supporting the advocacy work Vic leads on women’s homelessness.  

In the same week that Emily spoke with Jesse Mulligan, Vic was on RNZ’s Nine to Noon talking about a new research report commissioned by the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness that shows women are 50 percent of those living unhoused but face all sorts of barriers to getting the type of supports they need, like good maternal healthcare and drivers’ licences.  

The report was launched at Parliament by Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women and Vic is pictured here with fellow Coalition members and their funders.  

You can read the report on the Coalition’s website and in this Post article.  

Heft holiday shutdown  

Heft will be closed for the holidays Saturday 21 Dec – Sunday 12 Jan. 

Emily will be available for urgent calls throughout this period, although in a different timezone so expect some delays. Victoria will be completely unavailable from 24 December – 2 January, but on call for urgent client calls outside of this time.  

Cuba Street Xmas party

We’re partnering with the McLeavey Gallery to celebrate Xmas with an end of year party. Let’s celebrate together with drinks, live music, and laughter as we welcome new neighbours and reconnect with old friends!

📍 Where: Swan Lane Carpark

📅 When: Thursday, December 12, 3-6 PM

🎶 Live Music

🥤 Food & Drinks: Snacks provided; BYO drinks!

🎈 Everyone’s invited - kids, pets, neighbours, friends!

Join us for a festive afternoon to remember!