Jump Start..

.. my car, not my heart  Shannon has been to the rescue three times this year so I felt it was worth a mention.  Somebody (!!) has not been shutting the car door properly, leaving the light on in the car, draining the battery.  The key gets turned, nothing happens and we dial 021 2 Shannon (that really is her number).  It is a sight to behold.  Two beautiful PR consultants pushing the PRSHOP car onto the road, attaching the leads, firing up the engine, jumping for joy and showing the boys we know how to lift the lid (or is it a bonnet) of a car and get the engine running.  Girl power!  And to the man who gallantly stopped and asked whether he could help (too late I might add) – thanks.  Chivalry is not dead.

Stephen Twining in NZ

There may be no I in team – but there is a tea and boy oh boy are we a TEAm that knows it! Stephen Twining, the 10th generation member of the Twinings tea family, arrived in New Zealand for an action packed trip. It kicked off with a Long Day at the Office (12 hours serving tea at the Office bar at the Westin, Lighter Quay). We had a great turnout and revealed a few new teas to the NZ palate (and a few tea cocktails as well!). Stephen officially opened the Twining Garden of Chai to celebrate the launch of Chai tea at the Ellerslie International Flower Show.



He had six media interviews in Wellington and he touched down in the South Island for the first time. In Dunedin he hosted a dinner with Dish magazine at Bell Pepper Blues where the chef, Michael Couglin, created a six course dinner featuring Twinings tea as an ingredient in every course. And in Christchurch he held a series of tea tastings with fellow Master Tea Taster, Matt Greenwood.



No tea bag has been left unturned and truth be told, we will be missing Mr T (ha ha) for his English charm, love of fresh air, weakness for NZ grapes and ability to answer the frequently asked question, “so how do you make the perfect cup of tea?” with the same enthusiasm, passion and genuine excitement EVERY time – no matter how late he was at Cowboys!! We all need a cup of tea and lie down though!!

Love is in the air….

Well it is at the pr shop. The gorgeous Kat and her hunky beau Andy are tying the knot. Andy got down on bended knee (actually we hear he was lying on his stomach) while holidaying in Tonga and thankfully Kat said yes. All visitors to the office are advised to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the glare off her bling and don’t even think about asking about the date of the wedding. They are too busy basking in engagement glow. Congratulations Kat and Andy!

The Frewster is Back….

Having masterminded the art of being a mum to two gorgeous babes, Sally is back in the office on a part time basis to try her hand at sitting still (not jiggling), writing (not drawing), taking part in meetings (not singing twinkle twinkle) and drinking coffee (not straight vodka). It’s nice to have her back. And her front!

Birthdays

the pr shop ate lots of cake this month as we celebrated the birthdays for three of the team. First up on the 17th was Shan, who managed to make her 23rd birthday celebrations last for a good three weeks! Then little Zylah (Sal's daughter) turned two on the 19th. We expect tears and tantrums over the next year, for this terrible two. And finally, on the 24th, Sally celebrated her 32nd birthday.

We all celebrated with a delicious dinner out at Monsoon Poon.

Vodafone Music Awards

Yesterday was the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards! Shannon had the task chaperoning two gorgeous "Gravity Girls" for Gravity Coffee, a sponsor of the awards. The girls received the attention that two beautiful ladies should - and met a range of celebs with their "all access" tickets. The photo is of Tess Tickle and Venus Mantrap with the C4 Host, Shavaughn Ruakere.

Welcome Lively Lydia

We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of the pr shop, Lydia Blatch!
 
Joining us as an account executive, Lydia is a natural people-person and an exceptional communicator (that’s pr speak for “she talks as much as we do”).
 
Lydia’s energy, smile and down-to-earth manner endeared her to us during the interview process (she also laughed at our jokes, which always helps).  But it wasn't just her friendly demeanour that won us over.  Lydia is also an incredibly motivated and talented individual, and we're sure she's destined to become a PR star at the pr shop (no pressure Lyds!).

Amie's Leaving Lunch

Today was Amie's leaving lunch at Magnum.

Aims is leaving the pr shop pastures for the great ocean. Kind of. She has taken on an exciting role as Communications Advisor for Ports of Auckland. Amie has been with us for six months and in that time has wowed us with her knowledge spanning not only varied topics, but topics through the ages - there ain't nothing this girl does not know from the days Julius Caesar ruled, through to the day the Berlin wall was demolished. Never accept an invite to play her at Trivial Pursuit.

Amie has been a valued member of the team and she will be missed. We all wish her well in her ocean adventures.

Now You Can Shop Online!

After two years of deliberation, investigation, consideration, collaboration and procrastination - the pr shop’s website is now live!

Intended to showcase our personality and energy, the emphasis is on entertainment and interaction rather than overwhelming you with information.

The site was designed by the clever people at Method Studios, and allows you to explore a street and discover items of interest at your own pace. Or, if you don’t want to take a stroll, post-it notes offer an alternative way to navigate the site.

Enjoy and please let us know what you think!

Pippa in surgery!

Pippa had a minor operation to her leg today. However in true PR style, she was dressed in high heels and at a client function only hours afterwards. We would include a photo but Pippa is not keen to get her legs out on the web!

Face-to-leg opportunities are available by appointment only!

Corbans Viticulture Open Day

Our client Corbans Viticulture had an open day on Saturday, out at their plant in Whenuapai. Pippa and Shan went out to meet the guests and media. Was a great day and even the weather behaved itself and the rain held off despite looming black clouds!

Enzo's First Trip to Office

Sal's new little baby boy, Enzo, made his first trip to the pr shop headquarters. He fitted right in, was so well behaved and didn't cry for the entire hour he was here being passed around each of us who ooooed and aaaaaed at him. He even feel asleep on Shan's shoulder while she worked. Sooo cute!

ENZO!

Saturday, 11 August, 8.42pm: Sally Frewin delivered a healthy baby boy by caesarean section. Weighing in at a hefty 3.7kg (8lb1), Enzo Vivace arrived with a very trendy spiky do and has, so far, adapted to the outside world seamlessly.

Mother is glowing (even after 22 hours of labour!), father is proud and sister is enjoying all the gifts.

Sal's Maternity Leave Lunch

Today was Sal's last day in the office before she goes on maternity leave. The baby is due in ten days and Sal is ready to burst! To celebrate we took Sal out to long luxurious lunch (perfect gift for a eight-and-a-half-months pregnant woman) at the French restaurant up the road.

We are going to miss Sal heaps and can't wait to see the baby when she pops. Although Sal wont tell - we all think it is a boy!

the pr shop turns 2!

Yesterday was the pr shop's 2nd birthday party!!

It was a great day, followed by a great night. Over 80 guests attended our party - clients, suppliers and friends of the pr shop all mingled, ate the delicious food and drank the divine cocktails. It is fair to say that there were one or two sore heads this morning!

Thanks to all those who have supported the pr shop over the last two years! We look forward to many more years and parties with you.

Shan Survives One Year

Today was Shannon's one year at the pr shop!

To celebrate we had a lovely morning tea with Brown Sugar Kitchen cupcakes, sandwiches and a cup of tea (of course). Pippa and Sal also spoiled her with a few gorgeous pressies from Superette as well. It's been a great year here at the pr shop :)

Superette Closed Today

Today was a sad day for the pr shop. Our beloved cafe next door, Superette, closed down!

We visit Superette at least once a day (usually much much more though) for coffee, retail therapy and the boys entertain us and give us our caffeine hit, while Gaylene is always keen for a gossip.

They had a closing down party on Friday night and invited all of Drake St - where all of the regulars sat around and discussed where we were going to go to now that our favourity little spot was no more!

Photos are of Gus (the resident pouch) and Pippa and me with Gaylene and Barista Ben!

Renee's First Day

Renee survived her first day of work experience with the girls at the pr shop! Renee is a student at AUT studying communications majoring in public relations.

After finding out that we are quite fun to work with, she agreed to come back every Monday to help us out!

Away Day

Today was the first the pr shop Away Day! Was a great day and we all had a lot of fun. After an hours drive to Ramarama to meet Angela Neighbours, we all relaxed, ate, laughed and talked - four things we are all pretty good at - until it was home time! Played a bit of golf too..

Brookfields Presentation

Today Pippa and Sal are presenting to the partners from Brookfields - See we do work!!

Delicious dinner at The Grove

To celebrate The Grove being selected as a finalist for the Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Award, the Head Chef, Sid, winning Outstanding Chef of the Year at the Lewisham Awards, and because we felt we deserved a night out - the pr shop had a delectable outing to The Grove Restaurant.

After having a small lunch to prepare for the feast, we all choose to have three courses. We were well and truly contently full by the time Michael, the owner, wished us goodnight.

Favourite dish of the evening going to the unique Chocolate and Blue Cheese Brownie!

Xx

The Fabulous Five

Kat's arrival was when the fantastic four became the fabulous five! To celebrate we had lunch down at one of the locals, The Drake!

Xx