Rob Fyfe Awarded ‘Communicator of the Year’ by PRINZ

In the dimly-lit, crowded space of Toto’s Monte Cristo Room, with the sound of classical guitar playing in the background, PRINZ held its end of the year Christmas party on December 15^th. Champagne flowed, pizza was devoured, and a few special people were congratulated on their excellence. Among these was PRINZ’ ‘Communicator of the Year’, Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe.

Rob accepted his award from PRINZ National President, Graeme Purches, with the grace of a man who runs a company of 12000 exceptionally well. Rob entertained the crowd for about 15 minutes with stories of his first few weeks with Air New Zealand, during which he made himself noticed by painting his “boringly beige” office a more stand-out blue, along with other tricks he employed to get through an Engineering degree.

Rob explained that his personal style of running Air New Zealand does not include many things you’d find in Business 101. Air New Zealand, he explained, has no ‘vision’, no ‘mission statement’ or ‘values’. Rather, the staff of Air New Zealand live by the rules of ‘be yourself’, and ‘treat everyone like a friend’.

His acceptance speech was delivered with the authenticity he strives to communicate all his messages, everyday. He personally answers all his phone calls, emails and mail addressed to him. Rob seems like a genuine Kiwi guy; wanting to show the world how great New Zealand can be – in the nicest, most modest and sincere ways possible.

The evening also included APR certificates being awarded to Joanne Perry (Auckland City Council), Paul Matthews (Bullet PR), Sonya Leahy (Waitakere City Council) and Melanie McKay (Star Public Relations).

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