PRINZ announces fresh leadership for 2025

AUCKLAND, Friday: The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) confirms its 2025 board, welcoming a new chapter of advocacy. Denise Mackay (FPRINZ, APR) is the newly appointed Chair.

Joining her are Jacquie Boer (FPRINZ, APR), Morwenna Grills (APR), Kelly Gunn, and Eruini Paranihi as elected board members. Jackie Curtis (FPRINZ) and Alan McDonald return as co-opted members.

Denise Mackay, on the board since 2022 and Chief Judge for the PRINZ Awards since 2021, brings extensive experience in strategic engagement. PRINZ is excited about her leadership.

Jacquie, Morwenna, Kelly, and Eruini bring diverse skills to enhance PRINZ’s member support and advocacy efforts, enriching the organisation’s work in 2025.

Elected Member :Jacquie Boer
Jacquie is a PRINZ Fellow and has 30 years of experience in advertising, journalism and public relations. Currently, she is the Principal of WPR where she delivers high-impact solutions for diverse clients across around Aotearoa with a focus on providing expert reputation management for clients in the infrastructure, forestry, and agriculture sectors. 

Elected Member: Morwenna Grills
Morwenna is an experienced communications and engagement leader and has gained her expertise through her work at the Department of Corrections NZ, New Zealand Law Society and New Zealand Parliament. She is a committed Te Reo Māori learner and a former journalist. 

Elected Member: Kelly Gunn
Kelly is currently the General Manger of Communications at New Zealand Media & Entertainment (NZME). She is an award-winning communications specialist with almost 20 years of experience in PR, media and communications strategy. 

Elected Member: Eruini Paranihi
Eruini is currently with Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori as the Senior Media and Communications Strategist. He has a vast background in broadcast journalism, producing and media relations. 

Co-opted Member: Alan McDonald
Returning for another year, Alan is currently the Head of Advocacy, Strategy and Finance for the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). This will be Alan’s second term on the board. 

Co-opted Member: Jackie Curtis
PRINZ Fellow Jackie Curtis is the Managing Partner at Cherry Red Consulting Ltd. She has volunteered her time to PRINZ as a co-opted board member for 2 years and is returning as the Chair of the PRINZ College of Fellows. 

This new board are already well into refreshing and refining the strategic direction of the national industry body. The board are committed to delivering value to PRINZ members through effective advocacy, creating connections and capability enhancement.