Super-mum to a busy toddler

My current position at DPMC has focused on building relationships across the business and with partner agencies as well as leading our communications support to the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration. This includes coordinating and providing accurate information on request, drafting and reviewing communications plans on various matters, risk analysis and writing speech and presentation content. The role is varied and requires thinking on your feet in a high-pressure environment, often where there is competing deadlines, to provide clear solutions.

I was headhunted for a 1 year contract position at DPMC while working at the Canterbury District Health Board in May 2017.I accepted a six month secondment with DPMC, which was extended for a further seven months to June 20, 2018, before accepting a full-time fixed term position.

Canterbury District Health Board is the largest employer in the South Island and is responsible for the health and well-being of more than half a million New Zealanders. As the Media Advisor I worked closely with clinicians, stakeholders, patients, staff and the media to promote, enhance and improve relationships and perceptions across the Canterbury Health System.

I was a general reporter when I began but developed a strong interest in health, environment and local government issues and was promoted to become a senior reporter specialising in these areas. Being a regional newspaper, there were many opportunities to cover events of signifcant national interest. Highlights during my time as a reporter include travelling to Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) to cover the Kakapo breeding season, covering junior doctor strikes, and the Burt Munro Challenge.

I took 3 months out to travel to South East Asia and the United Kingdom.

The Westport News is a small regional paper that also owns Coast FM radio station. Both cover one of New Zealand's largest geographical areas.Responsibilities include:Sourcing storiesPhotographingAttending events, meetings and press conferencesFilling in for the chief reporterVoicing and writing news bulletins for radioSub-editingInterviewing

Copywriting and writing press releases and stories for external and internal publications, proof reading internal and external publications, planning marketing strategies and campaigns/event management, liaising with media and advertising agencies, booking advertisements, assisting the communications directors, interviewing and liaising with management and staff scientists on marketing and promotional material

New Zealand Broadcasting School internship at Newstalk ZB Taranaki