If you are new to public relations, get ready to enter a profession undergoing a seismic shift.

The purpose of public relations remains the same - building and sustaining the relationships that organisations need to maintain their licence to operate. What has changed are the methods of practice. Artificial intelligence, new communication challenges and stakeholder expectations of transparency and accountability mean practitioners now need broader capabilities and stronger judgement than ever before.

What does it take to make the right call when trust is fragile, attention is scarce and change never slows down? We will address all this and more over one day of learning at the 2026 PRINZ Conference.

This conference will bring together industry experts, thought leaders and practitioners in related fields like politics, media and social science. Across a dynamic program of keynotes, panels and interactive discussions, we’ll unpack the critical challenges and opportunities in the current communications landscape. From navigating political and economic uncertainty to understanding global trends and market insights, you’ll walk away with a deeper perspective on the current state of the sector.

Join the celebration of the annual PRINZ Awards at the Hilton in Auckland.

This prestigious event will celebrate the achievements and excellence of our members in the field of public relations and communications. The awards gala dinner will be held on Thursday, 4 June 2026 at the Hilton and tables will seat groups of 10.

The evening will feature the presentation of the PRINZ Awards, announcing the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners of 14 main categories as well as PR Consultancy of the Year, PR In-House Team of the Year and the coveted PRINZ Supreme Award.

Join the PRINZ Awards finalists, APR graduates, the PRINZ Board and members of the PRINZ College of Fellows and catch up with your peers, learn from the best, and have a fabulous time!

Effective public relations practice requires more than strong messaging in NZ. Many cases call for cultural understanding, integrity, and a genuine commitment to Tiriti-based principles. This dynamic, practice-focused workshop is designed to equip PR professionals with the tools and confidence to work responsibly and respectfully within an Aotearoa context.

This seminar explores why critical thinking is far more difficult than most people assume and why even experienced professionals often fall into hidden cognitive traps that affect judgement, strategy, and decision-making.

Drawing on more than 30 years of social science research and insights industry experience, Carl will reveal how people are naturally wired to defend their views rather than test them, how organisational cultures can unintentionally suppress questioning, and how cognitive biases quietly shape the way we interpret information.

If you’re lost in the maze of AI - you can’t afford to stay lost any longer. Hands on AI is your escape route, sharing with you the best ways to use AI in daily practice. It is a session designed to equip you with practical, actionable techniques so you can find your way.

AI is embedded in our daily activity and we’re now moving in to the realm of agentic AI, where the technology becomes your active collaborator, capable of automating tasks, interpreting complex data and supporting strategic decision-making in ways not possible just a few months ago.

Step into the world of government relations through the lens of Alice in Wonderland. In this hands-on workshop, you will understand and demystify how to plan for and engage with government personnel and departments.