ABOUT US
Our Purpose, Vision & Values
Who Are We
At Kākāpō Consulting, we believe work should be more than just a paycheck — it should be purposeful, enjoyable, and fulfilling. We are driven by a vision to create workplaces where people thrive, where teams are connected, and where cultures inspire. When work is meaningful, it not only transforms individuals but also strengthens businesses and communities.
We bring this vision to life by delivering programs in emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, wellbeing, and leadership.
Our research-based programs blend Western psychology, neuroscience, and human development with te ao Māori principles of manaakitanga, whānaungatanga and hauora. This unique approach results in practical tools that build relationships of trust, foster collaboration, and create high-performing, connected organisations.
Why Kākāpō
Kākāpō Consulting was born out of a chance encounter with a very special bird — Sirocco, the Spokesbird for Kākāpō Recovery. At the time, I was searching for a name for my business, and after meeting this curious, quirky, and utterly unique kākāpō at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, everything clicked.
I couldn’t help but see the parallels between Sirocco and how I wanted to do business: approachable, fun, vibrant, and truly connected with others. The name felt like fate. Kākāpō Consulting was the perfect reflection of the values I wanted to bring to the workplace — trust, connection, and a bit of bold, colourful flair.
Just like the incredible recovery efforts that saved the kākāpō from the brink of extinction, I’ve always been inspired by the idea of resilience and transformation. My journey has been shaped by a passion for helping individuals and teams thrive, fostering workplaces where people feel connected, purposeful, and inspired.
As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to the spirit of the kākāpō — supporting Kākāpō Recovery and signing on as a proud sponsor of Dunedin Wildlife Hospital in their work to protect these precious birds while carrying the same dedication and heart into the work we do for our clients. Kākāpō Consulting is more than a name; it’s a reminder of the power of collaboration, curiosity, and creating something extraordinary together.
Sarah Cross
Founder of Kākāpō Consulting
Our Values
At Kākāpō Consulting, our values are more than words—they’re the heart of everything we do. They inspire meaningful work, stronger connections, and better workplaces by aligning what we do with what we believe. When people connect with shared values, it drives motivation, builds trust, and creates lasting change.
✳️ Empathy | Aroha - We put ourselves in the shoes of our clients, participants and each other.
✳️ Integrity | Pono - We do the right thing even when no one is looking.
✳️ Excellence | Hiranga - We do our absolute best, and if that misses the mark we make it better.
✳️ Connection | Hononga - We build strong meaningful relationships with our clients, participants and each other.
Not only are these values at the heart of everything we do here at Kākāpō, they’re actually the secret sauce behind better leaders, better teams, and better workplaces!