Strategic communications and PR agency, The Shine Collective, Managing Director Jacky James has been appointed a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand — one of the most prestigious honours from the institute.

The appointment was announced at the 2022 PRINZ Awards last weekend.

The agency was also a finalist for BusinessDesk PR Consultancy of the Year, demonstrating the dedication the growing team has for excellence.

The awards showcase outstanding public relations and communications projects from across Aotearoa. A Fellow is reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to the enhancement of public relations.

Jacky says it's a privilege to be appointed a PRINZ Fellow, but her contribution to the industry is not over.

'Communications plays such an important role for any organisation and/or community – big or small – and it has never been more obvious or important than during a global pandemic,” says Jacky.

'The critical importance of solid public, internal and company communications has been a feature of Aotearoa New Zealand's response to COVID-19 and it's extremely rewarding to see our field come out of the shadows and be more widely recognised for its role in a crisis.

'As a result, communications practitioners across the country have never had a greater opportunity to demonstrate the value our skills and expertise bring to the table.

'Having said that, communications practitioners have also never had a greater responsibility to ensure they are acting ethically, and to embrace and embed te reo Māori and tikanga Māori through their everyday communications.

'We have an incredible opportunity to make a difference. It's an exciting time to be involved.”

Jacky's appointment adds to the agency's growing list of accolades.

The Shine Collective co-owner Meg Jones says being a finalist for consultancy of the year is a real credit to the team, particularly when they were up against some big players.

She says their blend of internal culture, wide issues management experience, and a seamless blend of tikanga and mainstream communications makes them unique.

'We've built a solid reputation for issues management over many years, and we're known in the industry for the interesting and meaningful mahi we do.

'I'm delighted for our team and the work we do in our communities to be recognised, and I'm proud of our team for their ongoing commitment to excellence for our clients.”