ABOUT

GOLD/LASH is led by Natalie Gilberd, who works independently, alongside your existing team, or as part of it – bringing in additional expertise and resources when a project needs them.

Natalie has more than 20 years’ experience across the business, community and not-for-profit sectors, with a background spanning engagement, marketing and communications, brand and visual design, events and fundraising.

That mix has shaped the way she works today: strategic but practical, creative but commercially minded, and always conscious of the people on the receiving end. She understands how to read a community, build relationships, find common ground and bring people with you – while keeping a close eye on the detail needed to deliver well.

From shaping the approach to rolling up her sleeves and making it happen, Natalie brings strategy, creativity and humanity to projects with purpose.

portfolio:

  • TRUSTEE August 2026-today
    Working with fellow Trustees and the wider team to help shape the strategic direction of Businesses for Climate Action and its initiatives, including Mission Zero, with a focus on growth, communications, engagement and building strong connections across the business and wider community.

  • FUNDRAISING AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Nov 2024 – today

    Managing a major fundraising and community engagement campaign which supports the Motueka Community Swimming Pool Committee in their efforts to finalise the design, and progress the build of a major aquatics centre in Motueka township.

  • CHIEF ACTION OFFICER July 2025–Aug 2026
    Working closely with Mission Zero’s Board of Trustees and other team members to provide support and advice on the organisation’s overall strategy including growth, marcomms and overall engagement.

    LEAD ACTIVATOR July 2022–June 2025
    Leading the organisation’s communications and engagement activity to encourage local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions

    Link to see more

  • ENGAGEMENT LEADER 2019–2020
    Member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading marketing, communications, sponsorship and retail (incl. front-of-house teams)

  • MARKETING MANAGER 2016–2017
    Member of the Senior Leadership Team

  • MARKETING CONTRACTOR (COORDINATOR) 2023 + 2024
    A short-term contract supporting the marketing team to deliver record sales results.

  • MARKETING CONTRACTOR (MANAGEMENT) 2024
    A short-term contract overseeing the Festival’s marketing needs.

  • MARKETING COORDINATOR 2011–2014
    Overseeing delivery of the Festivals’ marketing strategy and operations

  • BRANDING ACCOUNT MANAGER 2014–2015
    Client-to-designer relationship, project and budget management

  • UHARTS MANAGER 2007–2010
    General/operations manager for a 450-seat theatre venue (including budget, legal, HR, H&S, programming)

  • INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 2005–2007
    Managing internal communications requirements for Technical team

  • National Communications Coordinator 2003 - 2005
    Coordinating the internal and public communications messaging, including over the high-profile 2003 Olympics Games period

Email natalie
connect on linkedin

Extended team

  • Nils Pokel

    Nils Pokel

    DIGITAL STRATEGIST
    Culture Shock

  • James Sullivan

    James Sullivan

    DESIGNER
    The Black Dog Collective