Abbey Toffolon has launched AT Communications, providing services including PR strategy development, event management, strategic commercial partnerships, corporate communications, influencer and talent outreach, content creation, brand positioning and messaging.

She has been in the PR industry for more than a decade, most recently as General Manager at onetwo agency. Abbey holds in-house experience in the health and retail sector (WelleCo and Swisse), as well as agency-side at AMPR.

Bastion Shine has been appointed as NordEast Vehicle Distributors' integrated agency partner, supporting the distribution business in uniting six Geely Group brands under one umbrella.

NordEast, the new distribution division of Giltrap Group, will be uniting Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Geely, Farizon, and Zeekr, collectively accounting for 85 per cent of New Zealand's electrified vehicle market.

The partnership will see Bastion Shine deliver across advertising, creative, digital, PR, social and experiential, pairing its integrated model with NordEast's team to launch with a single, cohesive strategy and execution.

Bastion Shine's CEO, Toby Sellers, said: "We're incredibly proud to partner with Dane and the team at NordEast from strategy through to execution, in what is one of the most significant launches in New Zealand’s automotive history.

"Supporting NordEast gives our team the opportunity to deliver the full breadth of our services across a portfolio of amazing brands to elevate NordEast as leaders of electrified mobility in New Zealand."

New Zealand communications agency, Pead, has launched Houston Issues Management, a specialist division created to help New Zealand businesses proactively prepare for and respond to issues that impact their reputation.

The new offering will be spearheaded by Louisa Kraitzick and supported by senior issues management specialists, as well as category experts across different industries.

Louisa said: "In today’s fast-paced digital world, reputation risk is everywhere. News spreads instantly, digital footprints last forever, and in New Zealand, word travels fast. One issue, big or small, can derail sales, damage relationships, and shake team culture.

"The risk landscape is intensifying at a time when the stakes for business have never been higher, which is why we are launching this service. Reputation risk can come from anywhere - cyberattacks, social media backlash, operational missteps or health and safety - to name just a few. But with the right preparation and advice, these risks can be significantly reduced."

Houston Issues Management will provide services to help businesses prepare, train, and respond effectively, regardless of size or sector. Its offering includes scenario planning and bespoke crisis media training, to real-time response and recovery.

Louisa added that issues management isn’t just for companies in the news media spotlight: “If your business has a social media presence, employees, or customers, you need a plan and a level of issues management preparedness. The reality is if you aren’t prepared, you’re already behind. Every director, executive, and business owner should be asking: Are we ready?"

^{(Pictured: Louisa Kraitzick)}