Advocating to local Mayors for PRINZ memberships
Subject: Strengthen Your Council’s Public Communications Capability
Tēnā koe Mayor [Last Name],
As a Mayor, you’ll know that public trust in council decisions is shaped not only by what councils do, but by how clearly, consistently, and credibly they communicate – particularly during times of change or crisis. that clear, trusted communication sits at the heart of effective local leadership. Whether navigating emergencies, community change, or day-to-day engagement with ratepayers, the capability of your public relations and communications team directly shapes public confidence in council decision-making.
That’s why we encourage local authorities to One practical way councils can strengthen this capability is by supporting their communications professionals to be members of their national industry body, Public Relations Institute of New Zealand – PRINZ. Membership ensures your team remains professionally accredited, ethically grounded, and equipped with current best practice, peer support, and professional development tailored to the evolving demands of public sector communications.
PRINZ membership helps councils to:
- Reinforce public trust and ethical standards
PRINZ membership includes a commitment Members commit to the PRINZ Code of Ethics – a clear signal that you and your team, providing assurance that council communications uphold honesty, advocacy, expertise, transparency, fairness, and accountability.
- Stay ahead of the curve Stay ahead of emerging issues and expectations
PRINZ provides Members have access to the latest insights, research, and best practice across areas like strategic planning, media relations, digital strategy, issues and crisis communications.
- Build skills and professionalism professional capability in a cost-effective way
PRINZ delivers structured professional development aligned to public sector communications needs, enabling councils to lift skills and professionalism across their communications teams at member discounted prices.
- Expand networks and influence
PRINZ membership connects you and your team council teams with a broad national network of industry public sector peers, industry leaders and industry partners, supporting collaboration and shared learning.
- Celebrate excellence in execution
Participation in the annual PRINZ awards provide an opportunity for council teams to helps councils benchmark their work nationally, recognise excellence, celebrate innovation and impact, and lift professional standards across the sector.
- Boost team morale and retention
Covering professional membership signals that councils value professionalism and career development in their people. fees is a tangible way for employers to show they value their people’s growth and professionalism.
I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, or to speak directly with your Chief Executive or Communications lead about how PRINZ can support your council’s communications capability.
You can also learn more at the PRINZ website or contact me directly at susanne@prinz.org.nz or 021 860 388. Investing in your PR and communications team strengthens trust, engagement, and outcomes for your community
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to strengthening public communication across Aotearoa.
Ngā mihi nui,
Susanne Martin
