Introducing the PRINZ Northern Division Committee
We are so grateful for the time and dedication of our regional sub-committees as they contribute to enhancing the local offering to our members and support the growth of PRINZ. We are delighted to introduce the northern team and thank them for their mahi. If you would like to join them just contact us at office@prinz.org.nz and we will connect you with these great folk.
Gez Johns APR, Chair
Gez is the GM of independent Auckland PR Agency, Network, where he leans on his three decades of professional experience to provide support and guidance to both corporate and consumer clients. He’s been a PRINZ member since swapping publishing for PR 20 years ago, and has been a member of the Auckland sub-committee for the last two of these. Outside of work, he can most often be found chasing a ball of some sort around a pitch, court or course with others of his age who should also know better.
Ellen Comber
Ellen Comber is a Communications Manager at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, working in cultural and business events communications with a background in economic development.
She brings agency and in-house experience across strategy, media, stakeholder engagement and storytelling, with a creative edge as a published writer and photographer.
Sarah Keall
Kia ora! My name is Sarah Keall and I’m from Waihi Beach.
I’ve spent the last few years studying politics and communications at Victoria University of Wellington. During this time, I took up internships in mining, horticulture, and local government.
I finished up my studies at the end of 2024 and was lucky to land a position with Pendulum Strategies shortly after. I’ve been with them for just shy of six months now and already learnt so much. It’s a great team to be part of!
I’m stoked to be part of this committee. I have a lot of volunteering under my belt and it’ll be great to continue this while giving back to the industry and learning from the best!
Raymond Suen
Raymond Suen leads a national team of engagement specialists at MBIE, driving strategic conversations and partnerships across a diverse portfolio of sectors and industries. With over ten years of experience in the public sector, Raymond is known for his collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and his ability to navigate complex policy and market landscapes. His earlier career in product and operations management within the entertainment industry has given him unique perspectives on innovation and service delivery. Outside of work, Raymond is an avid cyclist who enjoys celebrating a good ride with a great coffee.
Sally Vernon
Sally is a passionate and creative communications professional with over 15 years’ experience working in both New Zealand and Australia. She started her career in consumer electronics, managing PR for global brands like Samsung, ASUS, HP, JBL and Beats by Dre, before moving into corporate communications in the B2B technology sector.
She is now the Group Head of Communications at Kordia, a state-owned enterprise transforming from a traditional network provider into a modern infrastructure, cloud and cybersecurity leader. Sally’s strategic work has helped shape Kordia’s evolving reputation, earning her a Bronze at the 2024 PRINZ Awards for her work growing Kordia’s cybersecurity business.
Sally completed her APR in 2023 and volunteers on the board of the New Zealand Network for Women in Security. She’s excited to join the PRINZ Northern Committee to connect, contribute and support the local industry.
