Q. What does an advocacy consultant do?
A. An advocacy consultant helps individuals, organisations, charities and community groups navigate complex challenges, amplify their voice and create meaningful influence. This can include advocacy strategy, stakeholder engagement, campaign development, submissions, petitions, public awareness initiatives, media engagement and strategic communications. Effective advocacy is about turning important issues into conversations that drive action, awareness and positive change.
Q. Can Catherine help with petition campaigns?
A. Yes. Catherine has first-hand experience leading successful petition campaigns, including growing a national health petition to 17,096 signatures while receiving life-saving treatment herself. RISE can provide guidance on campaign strategy, messaging, community engagement, stakeholder management, media opportunities and maintaining momentum throughout the campaign journey. Every petition is different, but the objective is always to build awareness, engagement and impact around an important cause.
Q. Can Catherine help individuals?
A. Yes. While much of Catherine’s work involves organisations and communities, she is also passionate about helping individuals whose stories deserve to be heard.
One example was supporting Amber Rose, whose personal story resonated with communities across New Zealand. Through strategic storytelling, media exposure and community engagement, awareness of Amber’s situation grew significantly, helping increase her Givealittle campaign from approximately $2,300 to more than $42,000. While outcomes can never be guaranteed, Catherine understands the power of authentic storytelling and how lived experiences can inspire people to take action, offer support and create meaningful change.
Q. Does Catherine provide keynote speaking?
A. Yes. Catherine is available for keynote presentations, conferences, leadership events, community forums, business events and panel discussions.
Popular topics include:
- Leadership through adversity
• Advocacy that creates change
• Cancer, survivorship and resilience
• Healthcare equity and medicines access
• Women in leadership
• Community engagement and influence
• Turning lived experience into impact
• Building momentum through strategic storytelling
Every presentation is tailored to the audience and combines practical insights with authentic lived experience.
Q. What organisations does Catherine work with?
A. Catherine works with businesses, charities, not-for-profit organisations, healthcare organisations, community groups, industry associations, advocacy groups, membership organisations and leaders seeking to create meaningful impact.
She also works alongside individuals and families navigating complex situations where advocacy, awareness, stakeholder engagement or public support may assist in achieving better outcomes.
Q. Can RISE assist with stakeholder engagement?
A. Yes. Stakeholder engagement is often critical when seeking change, building support or influencing outcomes. RISE can help identify key stakeholders, develop engagement strategies, strengthen relationships, facilitate conversations and create communication approaches that foster trust, collaboration and constructive dialogue.
Q. What advocacy sectors does Catherine specialise in?
A. Catherine is particularly recognised for her work in healthcare advocacy, medicines access, cancer awareness, patient equity and survivorship. She also brings experience across immigration, social impact initiatives, community engagement, leadership, governance and issues affecting vulnerable individuals and communities.
Her advocacy approach is informed not only by professional experience but also by lived experience, allowing her to bring both empathy and strategic insight to complex challenges.
Q. Can RISE help with media positioning?
A. Yes. Strategic media engagement can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and building momentum around important issues. RISE can assist with messaging, story development, media readiness, interview preparation, opinion pieces and identifying opportunities to elevate stories through traditional and digital media channels.
Catherine’s own advocacy journey has generated significant media attention, demonstrating the power of authentic storytelling combined with strategic communication.
Q. Is Catherine available across New Zealand?
A. Yes. Catherine works with organisations, communities and individuals throughout New Zealand and is available for both in-person and virtual engagements.
Support may include advocacy strategy, advisory services, stakeholder engagement, public speaking, workshops, campaign development, media positioning and mentoring. Whether working with an individual, a community initiative or a national organisation, the focus remains the same: helping people create impact, strengthen their voice and achieve meaningful outcomes.
