ABOUT
About Us - McElrea Consulting
People-first strategy and facilitation, grounded in Aotearoa
At McElrea Consulting, we believe strategy should be practical, people-driven, and designed to create momentum. With deep roots in southern New Zealand, and experience across Aotearoa New Zealand, we bring together proven tools, fresh thinking, and genuine collaboration to help communities, organisations, and businesses move forward.
Our Story
McElrea Consulting began with a simple belief: strategy only matters if it leads to action. Too often, plans gather dust on the shelf. We wanted to do things differently - to design processes that engage people, uncover opportunities, and move ideas into practice.
Over the years, our work has taken us from small rural communities to national organisations. We’ve helped develop economic strategies, guided boards through change, run community planning workshops, and supported leadership teams to find clarity and direction. Whatever the scale, we always start from the ground up, listening first, working alongside people, and building solutions that fit their context.
Grounded in Central Otago, we’re shaped by the Clutha/Mata-au River that runs through our backyard. We see it as a metaphor for how we work: powerful, adaptive, and always moving forward. Like the river, our role is to connect - linking people, ideas, and opportunities to create momentum that lasts.
That way of working is guided by our values. They’re not just words on a page, they’re the principles we carry into every workshop, project, and conversation.
Our Team & Partners
Rebecca McElrea – Chief Strategist
Rebecca has worked in strategy, facilitation, and community development for more than 20 years. With experience spanning local government, economic development, and community-led initiatives, she is known for her ability to bring people together, simplify complexity, and move ideas into action.
Clients often say Rebecca feels like part of their team, not just a consultant. She has led major regional strategies, facilitated hundreds of workshops, and supported organisations of every size to find clarity and direction.
McElrea Consulting also partners with a trusted network of collaborators including Great Scott Communications and Communities NZ to ensure clients get the right mix of skills and support for every project.
Our Impact
Over the years, we’ve worked alongside councils, community trusts, iwi, businesses, and national organisations.
From developing long-term strategies to running fast-paced workshops, our focus is always the same: building clarity, connection, and action.
Some of the areas we’ve supported include:
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Economic and community development strategies
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Mission, vision, and values workshops
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Facilitation of complex, multi-stakeholder projects
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Research and engagement for councils, trusts, and businesses
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Training and capability building in facilitation and Strategic Doing
Our Core Values
Unleashing the Power of Networks and Opportunities
From the Ground-Up
We start with people and place. The best solutions come from those closest to the challenge and opportunity.
People at the Heart
Relationships matter. We prioritise trust, inclusion, and respect in everything we do.
Clear is Kind
We simplify complexity and make it easier for people to see the way forward.
Better together
We design with you, not for you. Progress is built together, not delivered from the outside.
Keep it Moving
Strategy only matters if it turns into action. We focus on creating pathways that move ideas into practice.