Your network of trusted advisors

We come to work to support longevity in leadership because we believe the tricky, long-term problems are the ones worth solving.​

With experience supporting prime ministers, cabinet ministers, senior executives and entrepreneurs we understand the toll leadership can take.​

We know leaders who look after themselves, last. Our advisors, based across Aotearoa are here to ensure you have the advice and expertise you need to make a lasting impact in your field.​

Our Team

Black and white photo of a woman with shoulder-length hair smiling at the camera, wearing a dark top with decorative pleats, sitting on a couch with large leafy plants and windows in the background.
Black and white photo of a woman with shoulder-length hair smiling at the camera, wearing a dark top with decorative pleats, sitting on a couch with large leafy plants and windows in the background.

Sarah Maguire (nee Austen-Smith)

Founder

Sarah prides herself on connecting people. She started Austen Advisory in 2024 to connect freelance advisors with clients who need their expertise.

Sarah's background is in strategic communications, media relations, political management and campaigns. She is best known for her roles as Deputy Director of Communications to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Founding Director of Heft Communications.​

She is based in Wellington's Hutt Valley, where she lives with her husband and twins.

A woman with long hair smiling, sitting in front of a window and a large leafy plant, in black and white.
A woman with long hair smiling, sitting in front of a window and a large leafy plant, in black and white.

Chrissy Real-Scott

General Manager

Chrissy is an experienced political manager. Her expertise is in senior leadership support, reputation management and project management. Having served as Operations Manager to both Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Chrissy is used to managing multiple priorities and working at pace. At Austen Advisory, Chrissy sits across multiple client teams, supporting delivery across communications, advisory and political management.

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Emily Rosenthal

Principal/SME

Emily has more than a decade’s experience in strategic communications, campaigning, and capacity building. She has led and developed award-winning projects and campaigns for member organisations, non-profits, and media outlets. 

As a full-service consultant Emily supports clients from research ideation through to media relations on launch. She has a keen eye for framing, risk mitigation and understands the importance of research integrity in communications.

Emily is currently completing her PhD at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington in false information interventions, with a focus on violent extremism. Emily is also involved in several VUW research projects on false information for a variety of agencies and social partners.

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Aaron Packard

Principal Advisor

My practice began as senior communications advisor to New Zealand's Chief Human Rights Commissioner and the Chief Legal at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, bridging international human rights law with domestic legislation on discrimination complaints, housing rights, freedom of expression disputes, to Indigenous rights. Recently, I have managed communications for the Environmental Law Initiative, turning complex litigation into matters of significant public concern - from fisheries management and freshwater pollution to climate change and conservation.

I've worked alongside some of the country's leading legal counsel - and I understand the litigation process inside-out.

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Iris Castle-McLean

Graduate Advisor

Iris is a Geography and Development Studies honours graduate with a specific interest in the interplay of politics and the environment. Having completed a dissertation investigating the role of blame and responsibility in environmental decision-making, Iris enjoys working with the complex issues of discourse, environmental narratives and political ecology.

 Iris has experience in report writing, research, critical analysis, content design and, as is obligatory for a geography student, map-making, GIS and spatial analysis.

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Gina Hubbard

Executive Assistant

Gina is an experienced EA and Office Manager (who also happens to have a Bachelor of Design!).

She keeps our clients and consultants on track and supports the Director and General Manager from her home in Waitakere where she lives with her two children and two cats.

Amy Skipper

Graduate Consultant

Amy has experience engaging with stakeholders in complex policy environments with a specific focus on youth engagement. Amy founded her own youth mental health organisation at 18. She sits on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission's Youth and Rangatahi Expert Advisory Group and is passionate about uplifting rangatahi.

Amy has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science. She graduated from Victoria University's prestigious parliamentary internship programme where she supported the Opposition Finance spokesperson. Amy is currently completing her Master's degree, focusing on how governments conceptualise online misogyny and its relationship to political radicalisation.

Amy is based on the Kāpiti Coast, and can be found hanging out with her cat and reading a book on her days off. 

How we work

  • Trusted advice depends on rapport. We build relationships with clients that are built to last. 

  • We're here to give it to you straight. We'll support you to deal with your thorny issues in friendly company.

  • We meet you where you are, working discretely and fitting in with your schedule.