PR News
PRINZ

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 52nd 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."

Previous story

Milk & Honey PR expands tech portfolio with new client win

Next story

Integrated communications agency appointed for the launch of the new Chatswood Chase

You might also enjoy

Loretta
Moves

Loretta Lui takes helm of executive comms and PR

The global investment management organisation, Franklin Templeton, has promoted Loretta Lui as Director, Executive Communications and PR.

Relocating from Hong Kong to London, she now leads global executive communications for the firm, overseeing CEO communications, core narrative development, and strategic media engagement aligned with the organisation’s business priorities and industry developments.

Loretta first joined the company in 2013 and was most recently Deputy Head of Corporate Communications, APAC. She also brings industry experience from previous roles at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and City of London. 

The
Moves

The Star Entertainment Group appoints Communications Director

The Star Entertainment Group has promoted Jacara Desland to Director of Communications. Based in Brisbane, she will work alongside the leadership team to lead and shape communications across the Group and The Star Sydney.

Jacara brings more than 15 years’ experience across communications and marketing, with previous roles spanning the insurance and financial services, construction, and retail sectors.  

Tonic
Industry update

Tonic continues Australian growth with new client win

Trans-Tasman integrated communications agency, Tonic Communications, has been appointed by Brisbane-headquartered Morgans Financial, to lead PR for its annual fundraiser, Big Dry Friday.

Starting immediately, Tonic will drive national awareness and participation for the campaign, led by recently appointed Brisbane-based Media and Communications Director, Amelia Oberhardt. The work will highlight Big Dry Friday's impact on rural and regional Australian communities.

Amelia said: "Big Dry Friday is a hugely successful and important initiative that has raised more than $9.5 million over the past eight years.

"We’re thrilled to be supporting the campaign in 2026 and helping drive even greater awareness and participation nationally. It’s exactly the kind of meaningful work Tonic is passionate about delivering."