Introducing Joshua Meredith, the recipient of the PRINZ Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in PR & Communications at the University of Canterbury
My journey in communications began in 2016 when I started my Bachelor of Communication Studies at the Auckland University of Technology, graduating in 2018 with a major in Advertising. Drawn to both design and sociology, I saw this degree as an opportunity to explore the crossover between social insights and creativity, while also developing a versatile skill set.
During my time at AUT, I gained experience through freelance graphic design work with Bosch Power Tools, volunteer work with the Communications Council, and an internship at advertising agency 99 (part of Clemenger Group). While working as a Junior Art Director at 99, I contributed to a range of campaigns for brands and organisations such as Mazda, Pizza Hut, New World and Auckland City Mission.
Following my agency experience, I spent six years working in business operations, where I developed skills in market research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. This experience helped me realise how much I enjoyed working at the intersection of strategy, insights, and storytelling, and ultimately became the driving factor in my return to study this year to complete a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication at the University of Canterbury.
During my graduate studies I have had a range of opportunities to put theory into practice and gain further experience. These include group presentations to WorkRide and the German Embassy Wellington, with the latter selected as the winning campaign which was used for the HALO South Mission this year. Another valuable opportunity was my internship with St John of God Hauora Trust, where I led staff, resident, and whānau interviews along with focus groups to inform brand and service reviews. I also produced written and visual feature content for organisational performance and programme impact reporting, as well as contributing to a brand refresh and funding applications. This experience enabled me to strengthen my skills in media writing, engagement, and culturally grounded communication.
Looking ahead, I’m about to begin a short-term contract over the summer with the University of Otago’s Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHAAR), developing educational resources to support and encourage stroke survivors to participate in physical activity. Beyond this project, I’m eager to explore new opportunities for 2026 to continue building my career in public relations and communications.
I would like to thank PRINZ and the University of Canterbury for this recognition. While this award is an acknowledgment of my work, I also see it as a reflection of the calibre of my cohort, whose high standards encouraged me to grow and strive for excellence throughout my studies.
