PRINZ Inducts New Fellow
The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) is proud to induct Wally Thomas as a new Fellow in 2010.
Wally was awarded his Fellowship as part of the 36th Annual PRINZ Awards which took place at Auckland’s Heritage Hotel last night. He was the only Fellow to be inducted this year, after 11 years of service to PRINZ, during which time he has been an advocate and great ambassador for the Institute. He has both hired and mentored communications graduates, providing invaluable support and a major contribution to the profession.
As Director of Public Affairs for Waitakere City Council, Wally leads a highly regarded team of some 20 professionals – from PR practitioners and community engagement specialists to arts advisors, environmental education officers and event marketers. He reports directly to the Chief Executive and sits at the council’s top table – the senior executive team.
Once an award-winning journalist, Wally Thomas started his career in public relations in 1997 when Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey hired Wally as his Mayoral Executive and Chief of Staff.
Mayor Harvey paid tribute to Wally, saying: “The Public Affairs Division office goes at a hundred miles an hour, the demands are constant. Wally’s enormous knowledge of the community and his personable, down to earth style has smoothed many waters. His ability to understand political strategy and mesh that with the policy and vision, and above all, to sort out the wheat from the chaff is valued across many levels of the organisation.”
PRINZ congratulates Wally on his years of fine service to the industry and for his acceptance into the Fellowship.
Sponsors and Suppliers :
