PRINZ announces chief judges for 2026 PRINZ Awards

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) has appointed Tracey Bridges and Nikki Wright as chief judges for the 2026 PRINZ Awards. 

Now in its 52^nd year, the annual PRINZ Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work achieved by public relations and communications management professionals in Aotearoa.

Tracey steps into the role as Andrew Pirie concludes his time as chief judge after four years. She is currently Director and Co-Founder of The Good Registry, a social enterprise helping people translate their gift spending into donations to good causes. A PRINZ Life member, Tracey was a founding partner of trans-Tasman communications consultancy, SenateSHJ. In 2017, she made a career change, moving into governance and community roles.

Nikki is the Managing Director at Wright Communications and has more than 25 years’ experience in public relations, leading a B Corp certified Auckland-based agency recognised as PRINZ Agency of the Year three times. 

Nikki said: “I’m delighted to be joined by Tracey Bridges as Co-Chief Judge. I’ve always admired her astute judgment, governance experience and high standards, along with her thoughtful approach. She’s deeply committed to the future of the profession and the success of those working in it, which makes her an ideal partner for this role.”

Andrew commented: "It's been a privilege and pleasure to have served as a chief judge over the past four years, witnessing at close hand the outstanding work carried out within our industry. I feel the time is right to step aside and I'm delighted that someone of Tracey's calibre and experience is succeeding me."