Membership Fee Announcement

2024 has been a challenging year for many of our members regardless of where you’re based or what sector you work within. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our members, when we know many are entering 2025 unsure of what the future may hold.  

In light of the pervading economic landscape, the board and management have decided not to roll out the annual membership fee increase which usually occurs in February.   

This year has seen continued pressures for us as a membership body operating in an environment of increasing costs. We carefully considered what the best option would be not only for PRINZ but also for you, our members and potential members. You are our number one priority, and we hope you can see that reflected in this decision. 

What does this mean for PRINZ?  We will strive to provide our membership services with the current resources we have available. We will defer some of our planned initiatives until we feel we are better able to invest in them. It means that we need to continue to be prudent, whilst also providing a great experience for our members. 

PRINZ Head Office is a small but mighty team that throughout the year utilise our member’s fees to provide the services you tell us you want from your industry body. 

Every year services include: 

• Continuous advocacy on behalf of the PR and communications sector  

• 20+ CPD courses – including sourcing speakers, instructors, venues, technology, ticketing and surveys 

• More than 30 member events , supporting our regional committees, liaising with venues, potential sponsors, speakers, ticketing and promotion 

• Publishing over 45 newsletters with topical articles sourced locally and internationally 

• Managing submissions and coordinating the judging process for the PRINZ Awards  

• Hosting the PRINZ Awards Gala Dinner  

• Oversight and provision of the leading industry Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) programme  

• New member recruitment and association marketing  

• Engaging with tertiary institutions to connect with our future practitioners 

• Supporting our senior College of Fellows and Life Members  

• Managing our relationships with current and potential sponsors  

• Liaising with our Ethics sub-committee for any potential breaches of the Code 

It is a lot for a team of 2.4 FTEs! We’re committed to continuous improvement to ensure our members are maximising the benefit of their membership. We couldn’t do it without the very generous amount of time provided on a voluntary basis by so many of you, as regional committee members, judges, mentors to name just a few of the roles you do.  

Although there will be a financial implication for PRINZ by not increasing our fees in 2025, we feel it is the right decision to make in our current environment.  Even with the tough economic conditions we’re working in, I’m excited about 2025 and what we will be offering.  

I am always buoyed by the positive nature of our members and the passion you all have for this fabulous and important profession. Thank you for the part you play in supporting PRINZ and our industry. 

Noho ora mai, 

Susanne Martin 

CEO – PRINZ 

Should you have any questions about any portion of this please contact me on susanne@prinz.org.nz