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.