PRINZ - Public Relations Institute of New Zealand

Public Relations Institute of New Zealand National AGM 2022
2022-05-31 13:00 - 14:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
13th & 20th May 2026 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm (2 morning sessions + 2x 1:1 sessions)

OverviewDone well, internal comms is one of the most strategic levers an organisation has. It connects people to purpose, shapes culture, and helps employees connect to each other and understand how their work fits into the wider business. But too often it’s treated as a postal service – the person (or team, if you’re lucky) people call when they realise “we need to wrap some comms around that”! This course is designed for practitioners at any level who want to move beyond distribution and into a more strategic, people-centred practice. Across two practical workshops and 1:1 sessions you’ll learn to leverage (and tame!) all the channels available to you, understand your audiences, and design communication that supports alignment and connection. We’ll cover: Strategic capability – positioning internal comms as a strategic advisory function by linking communication work directly to organisational and people goalsUnderstanding people and audiences – analysing different employee groups and tailoring communication to their needs and contextChannels and noise – auditing and organising your channels to reduce noise and create a cleaner, more predictable communication systemLeadership and influence – working effectively with key leaders and teams (hello HR and IT!)Measurement and value – demonstrating the value of internal comms by reporting insights that help leaders make better decisionsThe essence of strategy is making the best moves with limited resources so this course is also designed to ensure you walk away feeling encouraged rather than deflated – you don’t need a massive budget or a small army to get things done! (Ironically, having both of those can sometimes make you less strategic because you have fewer constraints.) To personalise this unique learning opportunity, your investment includes: Pre-course 1:1 (45 minutes)A conversation to understand your context (organisation, challenges, stakeholders) and goals for the course, ensuring a learning experience that is tailored rather than ‘one size fits all’. Two live online workshops (3 hours each)Practical, interactive, and scenario-based sessions covering strategy, channels, audiences, leadership, storytelling, and measurement. Post-course 1:1 (60 minutes)A coaching and mentoring session to help you apply your learning, troubleshoot challenges, and support real-world application.Please note that ticket sales close on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 5pm to allow time for the pre-course 1:1.

Your facilitator is..Kathryn Ruge, APRKathryn is an experienced communications leader and strategist specialising in internal communication, organisational change, and the human dynamics that shape how people engage with information – and each other! – at work. She has led internal communications functions in both the private and public sectors and has supported organisations as a consultant and contractor through complex, organisation-wide change. With more than 25 years’ experience across frontline, senior leadership, and governance roles, Kathryn brings a practical, people-centred approach to communication that strengthens trust, reduces friction, and helps teams navigate uncertainty. She has developed internal communication strategies for large, multi-site organisations, advised executives through high-stakes transitions, and coached leaders to communicate with confidence. Kathryn is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and the founder of Engaging People, a consultancy focused on helping leaders communicate well, understand culture, and manage change. A life-long learner, she has an extensive collection of industry-related qualifications and certifications and is currently completing a Masters in Neuroscience and Psychology through King’s College London alongside becoming an Associate Certified Coach with ICF (International Coaching Federation).

The Right Words - Writing Series with Catherine Arrow
2022-06-28 09:30 - 15:00

Northern Networking
2022-06-30 17:00 - 19:30

Public Relations Strategy and Evaluation
2022-07-04 09:30 - 2022-07-07 12:00

Online Panel Session – Tips on using and championing plain language
2022-07-04 13:00 - 14:00

New professionals coffee catch-up
2022-07-26 10:00 - 11:00

Careers in PR and communication
2022-08-10 12:00 - 13:00

Develop your own Digital PR plan - 4 week course
2022-08-10 17:00 - 2022-08-31 19:00

Taking a kaupapa Maaori approach to communication
2022-08-11 16:30 - 18:30

How to get positive news media coverage for your clients in today’s world - A masterclass with Pete Burdon
2022-08-18 09:30 - 12:00

PRINZ Student Members Careers Workshop
2022-08-24 12:00 - 13:00

In the Hot Seat? Media and Presentation Training for PR and Communications Practitioners at TVNZ – Auckland
2022-09-02 09:30 - 17:00

Wellington region PRINZ Fellows' Dinner
2022-09-08 18:30

Parakuihui ki Pōneke
2022-09-15 07:30 - 08:30

Waikato Networking Breakfast
2022-09-22 07:30 - 08:30

Wellington Comms Catch-up
2022-09-29 17:00 - 20:00

Issues and Crisis Management
2022-10-12 09:30 - 16:00

Secrets of Success
2022-10-20 17:30 - 19:00

Digital PR 101
2022-11-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Online

Ask an expert: with Strahan Wallis, CEO Clemenger Group (NZ)
2022-11-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Clemenger Group, Level 2, 1 Post Office Square, Wellington Central, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand

PRINZ Awards Gold Winner: Ōkārito GorseBusters Webinar
2022-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

IC Futures – Inside Internal Communication
2022-11-16 09:30 - 12:00 | Online

TVNZ – The Grand Tour (provided by PRINZ)
2022-11-17 17:00 - 19:30 | TVNZ – Cnr Victoria St West, 100 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand

PRINZ Awards Winner: When Nature Calls Webinar
2022-11-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Online

Collective Immunity Protects our Community: Webinar (PRINZ Silver Awards Winner)
2022-11-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Online

Goodbye 2022!
2022-11-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand

Measurement and Evaluation for Communications
2022-12-01 09:00 - 2022-12-02 11:00 | Online

PRINZ Central Division’s End of Year Celebration
2022-12-01 17:00 - 19:30 | The Hudson, Chews Lane, 56 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Say goodbye to 2022, and hello to the new PRINZ CEO, Susanne Martin.
2022-12-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Pilkingtons Restaurant and Bar, 41 Shortland Street Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

PRINZ Waikato Christmas Function
2022-12-08 17:00 - 19:30 | Mr Pickles Bar & Eatery, 298 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton, New Zealand
