Introducing the PRINZ CPD Sub-Committee
The provision of CPD offerings of the highest standard and in keeping with the needs and wants of our PRINZ members is an integral pillar of the PRINZ executive committee’s Strategic Plan 2024-26. One of the agreed actions to come from this strategy was to introduce a CPD Sub-Committee to oversee the ongoing innovation and portfolio growth of this product offering.
We are thrilled to introduce the members of the PRINZ CPD Sub-committee who generously provide their time and feedback to this cause.
Ben Woodgates -
Corporate Communications Professional at Gallagher
Ben Woodgates is a corporate communications professional at Gallagher, New Zealand’s largest private technology exporter. He is also the founder of Hello Hamilton, a local media company that keeps Hamiltonians informed and connected. Since June 2023, Ben has served on the Waikato PRINZ Committee, joining while completing his public relations studies at the University of Waikato. During his time at university, he was a tutor in PR, communications, and marketing, a Board member of the Management Communications Students’ Association (MCSA), and a Director of the Waikato Students’ Union. Ben joined the CPD roopuu to represent young professionals and ensure their voices are heard.
Connie Smith -
GM Communications & Engagement at Port Malborough
Connie Smith APR is the General Manager of Communications and Engagement at Port Marlborough, where she leads strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting across one of New Zealand’s key regional ports. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in public relations, and corporate communications, with expertise spanning infrastructure, environment, government relations, and crisis communication.
Connie has led award-winning projects recognised for excellence in internal communications, marketing, sustainability and integrated reporting and is a strong advocate for communications that build trust, demonstrate impact, and support long-term strategy. She is a member of the PRINZ CPD Sub-Committee, helping shape relevant professional development pathways for members across the industry.
Dee Crooks -
General Manager - Brand and Communications at ProCare
Dee Crooks is an award-winning marketing and communications professional with more than 20 years’ experience across diverse sectors, including health, property, finance, insurance, professional services, and retail.
Her expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including external and internal communications, advocacy, sustainability, brand strategy, and marketing. Dee‘s core specialisation and passion lie in media relations, reputation management, and navigating complex issues and crises with strategic precision.
Before joining ProCare, Dee served as Corporate Communications Director at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) and as Head of Communications & PR at AMP New Zealand. Her career also includes working for major financial services providers in Auckland and London, as well as contributing her expertise to industry bodies and public relations agencies.
Dee holds a Bachelor of Communications (BCS) from the Auckland University of Technology, with a major in public relations and event management.
Dominic Taffs -
Internal Communications Specialist at CentrePort Limited
“I’ve been in comms almost ten years now, and I’m enjoying my internally focused role here at CentrePort in Wellington. I’m stoked to be a part of this group, and I am keen to add the perspective of someone who has just completed their APR last year, and is still relatively early on in their career (than most!).”
Laurna White -
Director at GRC Partners + Porter Novelli
Laurna works for GRCPN – a government and public relations agency based in Auckland.
This is Laurna’s first foray into consulting, following a 30-year career that’s traversed print, radio and television journalism before moving into local government, senior executive leadership and management.
Laurna is a huge believer in up-skilling, ongoing training, learning and professional development no matter what point someone is along their career path. Having a coach, mentor, learning from peers, colleagues and industry experts is important – not just for shared growth and learning – but also to network and foster collegiality.
Laurna holds Post Graduate Diplomas in Business Administration and Journalism along with Accreditation in Public Relations (PRINZ).
