The finalists for the eighth annual Pressie Awards have been announced. The awards will celebrate the best PR, experiential, and social campaigns in Aotearoa New Zealand, spanning 12 categories, from Best Use of Media Relations to Young Practitioner of the Year.

The 2025 winners will be announced at the awards show, which will be held on Wednesday, 12^th November at Okahu Bay in Auckland.

Read the full list of finalists here.

Third Hemisphere has been appointed by Singapore-based blockchain trade finance platform, 129Knots, to lead its communications strategies. The agency's remit encompasses regulatory milestone communications, thought leadership development, and market positioning strategies.

This announcement follows Third Hemisphere's Singapore office launch in September 2025. 129Knots joins the agency's existing FinTech portfolio, which includes MONEYME, Volt, and OKX Australia, and adds to the agency's six client wins over the past quarter, featuring sectors like FinTech, investment, healthcare AI, and social impact.

Hannah Moreno, Founder and CEO of Third Hemisphere, said: "These wins represent our natural evolution in financial services communications. We've spent a decade helping Australian fintech pioneers establish credibility and drive growth - from digital lenders to cryptocurrency platforms to Islamic finance providers.

"Now we're applying that expertise across Singapore's sophisticated financial ecosystem - from digital wholesale banking to blockchain trade finance to energy trading innovation. Each client requires communications partners who understand not just the technology, but the regulatory frameworks and stakeholder dynamics that determine success in these markets."

Auckland-based independent agency, One Plus One Communications, has named Liz Holt as a shareholding partner in the business. The decision comes off the back of commercial growth, which the agency credits to Liz's contribution to the business since her arrival.

Liz has built a communications career spanning 18 years, having led a wide range of PR accounts in New Zealand. One Plus One stated that her addition to the partnership would ensure continued stability and depth of leadership for the agency.

One Plus One's Founder and Managing Director, Kelly Bennett, said the decision to offer Holt a stake in the business was an easy one.

"Liz made an immediate impact on our business upon her arrival, and has skills and qualities that compliment me and Max really well.

"In the past year she's led critical pitches, delivered high-stakes projects, and provided excellent service and communications counsel to our clients across the board - all while being an awesome mum to a beautiful family. I admire her hugely."

In addition, the business has also welcomed Elle Grace as Senior Account Director. She joined the agency following a four-year stretch at Mango, preceded by roles at Spark, and Pead PR. Elle will be working across a range of sectors spanning telco, financial services, property and nonprofit.

^{(Pictured: Elle Grace and Liz Holt)}