Ann-Marie Johnson Email and Phone Number

Retail NZ is a membership organisation whose members represent approx. two-thirds of turnover in the retail sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. I lead the public affairs, policy, advocacy and communications functions for Retail NZ, ensuring the opportunities and needs of retail are heard at the highest levels, and securing the best public policy outcomes for retailers.

I joined Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology in a contract role, providing strategic communications advice and planning, media support and corporate communications. During my time with Te Pūkenga, the organisation transitioned from preparing to become Aotearoa New Zealand's largest tertiary education provider, to beginning to plan for its disestablishment. The role of change communications was crucial.

TIA is the major private sector association representing all sectors of Aotearoa New Zealand’s large and diverse tourism industry. Its 1200 member businesses range from SMEs to large, publicly listed corporates. TIA champions and advocates for its members and the tourism industry, leads implementation of industry strategies and manages large national industry events.Major AchievementsCommunications & stakeholder engagement• Developed and implemented communications strategies that achieved strategic objectives.• Established and maintained strong networks across the tourism industry and government which advanced organisational outcomes, particularly through crises like the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, and the Covid pandemic.• Established and led New Zealand Tourism Communicators Network, increasing alignment of messaging and growing capability among communications professionals in tourism.• Delivered communications workshops to tourism operators to grow capability.Media:• Grew organisation’s media and public profile, to establish TIA as the lead source of authoritative comment on tourism.• Acted as organisation spokesperson, including interviews on TVNZ News, Seven Sharp, Newshub and RNZ’s Morning Report.Leadership and management:• Membership of TIA’s executive leadership team, influencing decision making and contributing professional expertise to organisational strategic direction. • Managed Communications Team, motivating staff to produce their best possible work.Governance:• Joined the board of the Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand as their first external/non-B&B director. • Chaired Te Kāhui Tautiaki (Tiaki Promise Governance Group), leading a group of public and private sector representatives to advance awareness of the Tiaki kaupapa.• Vice-chair of the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group, a cross-sector group socialising the government’s Crowded Places Strategy with businesses and providing feedback to government agencies.

Major Achievements:- Developed and implemented communications plans that achieved desired outcomes for TIA and the tourism industry.- Developed and produced regular member newsletters and external communications to keep recipients updated on the latest industry trends and informed about TIA activities, growing support and engagement with the association.- Managed communications and media programmes for TIA events and major projects (including Tourism 2025 industry strategy, Tourism Summit Aotearoa, New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference and New Zealand Tourism Awards) to grow participation and engagement and achieve media coverage. - Led a high-quality annual TRENZ media programme that attracted international and domestic media coverage of New Zealand’s major international tourism trade event.- Acted as the first point of contact for media and developed media statements.- Supported TIA team members to produce high-quality, professional communications.

Major Achievements:• Twice awarded New Zealand Property Institute Journalist of the Year 2004 and 2005.• Category winner of the Real Estate Institute Media Awards in 2004 and 2005.• Maintained excellent working relationships with key contacts in major rounds areas, including tourism, property and local government, which lead to breaking significant stories on a variety of topics.