Introducing the PRINZ Waikato 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. This week we are delighted to introduce the mighty Waikato team and thank them for their mahi.
Heather Claycomb, APR, FPRINZ
Heather Claycomb is the former national chair of PRINZ and has also served on the Waikato committee since 2016. She founded award-winning Hamilton-based PR agency HMC in May 2004. In 2019, her business evolved into a social enterprise which donates its profits to her family charity, All Good Ventures. Prior to forming her own consultancy, Heather worked as a senior consultant with PR firm, Baldwin Boyle Group (BBG). Her role involved managing the Fonterra ingredients account and working with Mighty River Power’s hydro-generation and geothermal divisions. Originally from the US, Heather enjoys playing tennis and golf with her husband, spending time with her two dogs and relaxing at her bach in Matarangi.
Sarah-Lee Crellin
Sarah-Lee Crellin has spent a good part of 15 years working somewhere within the communications and engagement industry. Starting her career in Wellington she worked in Parliament, was a media manager for multiple royal visits and worked alongside the Helen Clark for Secretary General UN campaign. Lately, she has spent her time growing a national team based in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region of excellent communications and engagement professionals for Beca – tackling some of the toughest issues communities are facing right now, from roading infrastructure through to climate change. She is mumma bear to two beautiful small humans, a little Luna tabby cat and a giant dog named Waffle.
Vanessa Feaver
Vanessa is a senior communications professional who has worked in the primary sector and local government, following a career in the media as a journalist and editor. She has a Bachelor of Media Arts (journalism) and has worked across communications, engagement and media, from strategy and storytelling to issues management and content development. Outside work, Vanessa directs her energies toward three young sons, a lifestyle block and horses.
Charlotte FitzPatrick, APR
Charlotte FitzPatrick is the founding director of Belle PR and is a PRINZ award-winning practitioner. She has over 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and communications and has been on the Waikato PRINZ committee since 2021. Her extensive experience spans industries such as health, education, local government, energy, and professional services, and she has offered senior counsel to leaders and boards, demonstrating professionalism, ethical conduct, and strategic insight. In her free time, Charlotte loves spending time with family, and also enjoys running, the gym, good coffee and chatting with friends over wine.
Seamus Lohrey
Seamus is a public relations and law student at the University of Waikato. While studying, he has gained experience in the communications field by working as the communications and programmes coordinator for the Young Marists. Seamus is also the vice president of the Waikato Students Union and the former president of the Management Communication Students’ Association (MCSA). In his spare time, Seamus enjoys reading a good book, practicing guitar and playing football.
Terah McCarthy
Terah McCarthy (Ngāpuhi, Waikato) is a 24-year-old, Māori student pursuing a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Public Relations. He was awarded the 2024 PRINZ Waikato Matariki scholarship, allowing him to join the Waikato PRINZ committee to further his learning within the industry. Terah aspires to work within the sport or iwi sector after graduating. In his free time, Terah enjoys watching rugby league, supporting his local club (Turangawaewae), and spending time with whānau and friends.
Kate Monahan, APR
Kate has worked in journalism, marketing and communications for almost 30 years, and is currently a senior communications advisor with Te Pou, part of the Wise Group. She has served on the Waikato PRINZ committee for almost four years, and her highlight has been working with Waikato-Tainui to launch the Waikato PRINZ Matariki Scholarship. A former print journalist and book writer, Kate has a particular interest in health, education and youth. She is a mum of two, and enjoys bush walking and bookclub in her free time.
Simone van Asbeck
As one of the Committee’s newest members, Simone brings with her more than a decade of experience in communication and engagement. She cut her teeth in the corporate communication world in Auckland before finding her place in the public sector in the Waikato. In 2019 she joined Hamilton City Council and led communications for growth, planning and infrastructure as the city launched its biggest-ever infrastructure delivery programme. The $290.4 million Peacocke programme delivered an entirely new neighbourhood and a new bridge across the Waikato River. With a passion for crisis communication, she managed incident response communications during Council’s Covid-19 response and regularly supports regional and local emergency events. Simone recently completed her APR before joining the Waikato Committee in May.
Alice Wills Johnson
Alice Wills Johnson is a marketing and communications professional with over 20 years of experience in delivering effective strategies across various industries. She enjoys making complex ideas clear and engaging, with expertise in marketing, customer research, project management, and digital design. Currently working as a senior communications and engagement advisor at Waikato District Council, Alice enjoys collaborating with stakeholders to find innovative approaches and is known for her ability to get things done. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her young family, exploring the beautiful outdoors of Waikato region with her fiancé and children.
Ben Woodgates
Ben is a young professional who recently completed his studies towards a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) at The University of Waikato. He was born in England, grew up in Whangārei, and now works in Hamilton as a Corporate Communications Coordinator at Gallagher. Ben has been on the Waikato PRINZ Committee since June 2023. While at University, Ben was tutor of PR, Communications, and Marketing, a Board member of the Management Communications Students’ Association (MCSA), and a Director of the Waikato Students’ Union. Ben enjoys photography, hiking, reading, and playing roundnet.
Join the Waikato PRINZ committee in 2025!
At the end of 2024, many of the long-serving members of the Waikato committee are stepping back, leaving a small team with some vacancies. Would you like to step up to join the committee as a volunteer? It’s a great chance to network, learn from your peers and give back to the PR and comms industry. Contact the PRINZ office or any current Waikato committee members to find out more.
