About LEAD
Lead Consulting is a proud Aotearoa, New Zealand owned and operated company, established in 2018.
We are New Zealand's experts in human risk management including de-escalation and personal safety training, emergency incident management, physical security management and crisis leadership.
We are deeply connected to the 'WHY' of risk management and harm reduction. We don't just talk about it; we've been there. Our safeguarding purpose is underpinned by significant experience in both professional and volunteer emergency response and management roles.
We have extensive real-world experience across frontline policing, emergency management, specialist tactical operations, security risk management and government security advisory roles . We apply this to help organisations identify risk, strengthen preparedness and protect their people, places and reputation.
We understand that every organisation faces different risks — shaped by its people, environment, responsibilities and the communities it serves. We provide practical, relevant, high-value training, security advice and emergency management solutions. Solutions designed to work for your people and organisation. Not just on paper.
Lead Consulting combines trusted expertise with integrity. To deliver when it matters most.
Experience That Matters
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30+ Years' Experience
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NZ Police
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Leadership
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Detective
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Armed Offenders Squad
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Child Protection
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High-Risk/Lone-Worker Roles
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Investigation
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Covert Operations
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Leadership & Management
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Senior Security & Emergency Management Advisor
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Protective Security Requirements (PSR)
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Security Risk Assessment
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Emergency Planning
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Critical Incident & Event Leadership
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De-Escalation & Staff Safety Training
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Debrief Facilitation
Our Approach
Practical. Straight-talking. Evidence-informed.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We work with our clients to understand their roles and risks, and provide fit-for-purpose, practical training, risk management and planning.
Our approach is grounded in hands-on operational experience within all manner of environments and locations. We've experienced, planned for, and managed all sorts of risk, up close and personal. Right here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and the Pacific. In environments ranging from densely populated metropolitan areas, to very remote and isolated rural settings. From challenging interactions with everyday people, to managing, planning for, and responding to high-risk, complex incidents involving extremely hostile people and situations.
We apply our experience to the realities and risks faced by everyday New Zealanders, working in all sorts of roles. From office-based and customer-facing roles, to lone workers in high-risk compliance, enforcement or investigative roles, in rural and isolated environments.
We provide safety and security solutions for your people and organisation. To safeguard your people, places and reputation against human risk.
Our Values
Trust
Trust is the backbone of strong, high performing teams. We strive to obtain it, build it and keep it.
Respect
We treat others as we would like to be. We're sensitive and respectful to the needs and ways of others, regardless of differences.
Authenticity
We pride ourselves on having deep, genuine experience in every service we offer. Our Subject Matter Expertise is based on what we know, not what we've heard about. We've been there, lived it and felt the impact of it - on individuals, teams and organisations alike.
Care
We don't do box-ticking. Our roots were formed after working at the sharp end of risk, and harm prevention. We genuinely care about providing service which safeguards, and enables safe, effective performance when it matters.
Empathy
We are open-minded, ask questions and listen. We take the time to understand your people, your needs and your culture. We ensure our services fit your unique requirements and provide ongoing, sustainable resilience.
Our Leadership
Experience That Matters When It Counts
Lead Consulting was founded by Craig Gilbert, who is our principal trainer and advisor. Craig is a trusted leader whose experience spans more than 30 years across frontline policing, security management, emergency management, critical incident leadership, and adult training design & facilitation.
Craig's policing career included frontline, investigative and specialist roles, including Sergeant, Detective, Armed Offenders Squad and Child Protection; as well as operating in high-risk and complex operational environments both in New Zealand and the Pacific.
He subsequently held senior security advisory and emergency management roles, providing advice on security risk, emergency planning, protective security and organisational resilience.
His experience extends from frontline operational response through to strategic planning and leadership, including managing dispersed teams operating in high-risk environments, leading critical incidents, developing tactical and safety plans, undertaking complex investigations and facilitating post-incident debriefs.
Craig has also contributed to leadership development within NZ Police as a mentor and fellow at the NZ Police National School of Leadership, Management and Command, and as a visiting fellow to leadership programmes.
Today, he brings this experience to practical training and consultancy, helping organisations identify and manage risk, strengthen staff safety, prepare for critical incidents and build practical organisational capability.