PRINZ Code of Ethics

Public relations professionals use communications to develop or maintain trusting, productive relationships between our clients or employers and their stakeholders. We promote the views of those we represent to contribute to public debate and informed decision making in a democratic society

We balance our role as advocates for individuals or groups with the public interest. We must also balance a commitment to promote open communication with the privacy rights of individuals and organisations

Values

These values provide the foundation for the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand Code of Ethics and set the industry standard for the professional practice of public relations. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviour and decision making processes.

Advocacy

We serve the public interest by acting as responsible advocates for those we represent .
We provide a voice for the ideas, facts and viewpoints of those we represent to aid informed public debate.

Honesty

We are accurate and truthful in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.

Expertise

We acquire and responsibly use specialised knowledge and experience.
We advance the profession through continued professional development, research and education
We build mutual understanding, credibility and relationships among an array of institutions and audiences.

Independence

We provide objective counsel to those we represent.
We are accountable for our actions.

Loyalty

We are faithful to those we represent, while honouring our obligations to serve the public interest.

We safeguard the confidences of former or present employers and clients.

Fairness

We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, suppliers, the media and the society

We respect all opinions and support the right of free expression.

Code of Ethics

The primary obligation of membership of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand is the ethical practice of public relations. This Code sets out the principles and standards that guide our decisions and actions.

1. Advocacy and Honesty

A member shall:

i. Provide independent, objective counsel for clients or employers

ii. Promote the ethical, well-founded views of clients or employers

iii. Be honest and accurate in all communications - and act promptly to correct erroneous communications.

iv. Avoid deceptive practices

2. Balancing Openness and Privacy

A member shall:

i. Promote open communication in the public interest wherever possible.

ii. Respect the rights of others to have their say

iii. Be prepared to name clients or employers represented and the sponsors for causes and interests represented

iv. Safeguard the confidences and privacy rights of present, former and prospective clients and employers

3. Conflicts of Interest

A member shall:

i. Disclose promptly any existing or potential conflict of interest to affected clients or organisations

ii. Disclose any client or business interest in published or broadcast editorial work.

4. Law Abiding

A member shall:

i. Abide by the laws affecting the practice of public relations and the laws and regulations affecting the client.

5. Professionalism

A member shall:

i. Actively pursue personal professional development

ii. Explain realistically what public relations activities can accomplish.

iii. Counsel colleagues on ethical decision-making.

iv. Decline representation of clients or organisations that urge or require actions contrary to this code

v. Not engage in irrelevant or unsubstantiated personal criticism.

In 2005, PRINZ adopted the Global Alliance protocol on Ethics, as a supporting document to the Code of Ethics.