Snap happy in the Capital

Pippa and Sally visited the Capital recently to publicise the Wellington Food Show and chaperone celebrity cook, Donna Hay, on some of her media interviews.  In amongst the culinary delights and soggy weather, the duo managed to spend some time at the national museum.  Of particular note was a new exhibition which allows visitors to snap pictures of themselves and upload them onto massive screens.  Repetitively.  Never ones to shy away from the camera, this new technology provided on end of entertainment with the added bonus of not requiring a third party to take the photos.  Nice one Te Papa.

Renee is back

Introducing the newest member to the pr shop team, Renee Bushby.  

In a not so bizarre twist of fate, Renee started at the pr shop as work experience back in 2006, while she was completing her PR degree.  We told her to go and get some corporate experience and, to her credit, she followed our advice and now has two years at Porter Novelli under her belt, working across a range of clients, including Fonterra Brands, Gold Coast Tourism and Visa to name a few.

She is a bright spark, who we know will make her mark quickly with her quick wit and great sense of humour.  

Make-A-Wish

Sally is a volunteer at Make-A-Wish, a not-for-profit organisation that grants wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.  She recently worked with a team to grant this wish for a great kid called Peter, from out West.  Peter wanted some playground equipment, which included a trampoline, a swing and slide set and a cubby house.  The icing on the cake was a surprise party with all of his friends and family to celebrate his wish, and a performance by the Funky Monkeys.  

Wonder Women

Pippa and Sal had the pleasure of attending a friends costume party recently – the theme ‘80’s. A loose theme by any means but we chose Madonna and Wonder Woman (in the reruns phase given it first aired late 70’s). The real wonder came during a quick costume change in the toilet. Magic.

On the road again

Having spent so many summers at the family beach house in Opoutere, Coromandel it was time to discover the rest of New Zealand, so I embarked on a five day tour of the upper North Island - Tutekaka, Matapouri, Monganui, Cable Bay, Taipa Bay. Cape Reigna, Keri Keri, Paihia, Russell, Omaha, Piha and home - and then a few days at the beach house.  What a beautiful country we live in and how grateful I am for the bach!!  It was such an adventure I am even relishing being back at my desk and enjoying my own backyard.  It is going to be a big year for PR and life and I am ready to take it on!!!

Shark Survival

Sally decided to risk life and limb these holidays by swimming with sharks.  While it may not have ACTUALLY been that risky diving into the shark pool at Kelly Tarlton's, it was still a fairly brave call to take the plunge when you've never used scuba gear before and you're not too fond of sharks either.  While we have no doubt that Sally would come out better off is she was ever in an altercation with a shark, we're glad she didn't test the theory and is still in one piece, ready to take on the world of PR in 2009.

Introducing Curious George

Thanks to all who made it on Friday for our first office drinks party. The new BBQ sizzled, the sun streamed in so much we had to crack a bottle of sunscreen and the new pad was officially christened.  We think it made the perfect location for Friday drinks so for those of you who missed out - rest assured there will be a repeat!  It was terrific to show off our new window display brought to us by "Loved by Band".  This will change out regularly to entertain the masses (of people who frequent the Duchess Bakery next door!!). 

Introducing Curious George.... George (yes she's a girl), is the newest recruit at the pr shop. Despite recently graduating from the University of Otago with degrees in Law and History, George's long held captivation with reading, writing and chatting saw her shun her legal beginnings in favour of taking up a career in PR.  A self proclaimed aphorist (go on look it up!) with excesses of enthusiasm and imagination, George is a newbie to both the industry and the pr shop.  Make sure you all say hi next time you call or pop in. 

And farewell to Meticulous Mich .... When one chapter begins, another one ends.  After whipping us into shape and masterminding our recent seamless office move, Michelle is leaving us to embark on her next challenge - whipping Fairfax Sundays into shape.  We think it might take a bit more elbow grease than we required, but we have little doubt that she will quickly make her mark.  Thanks for all of your hard work Mich - we'll miss you!