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.
Sarah-Lee Crellin, Chair
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.
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.
Simone van Asbeck, APR
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.
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.
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.
