9 November 2012
Budding communicators recognised with SenateSHJ Prize
A disease threatening our ZESPRI industry; a chocolate brand in crisis and the influence of German culture on public
relations: three very disparate topics which won three tertiary students of communication this year’s SenateSHJ Prize.
In its fourth year, the SenateSHJ Prize awards $500 to top students of communications and public relations at Auckland
University of Technology, Unitec and Massey University.
Neil Green, Chief Executive of SenateSHJ, said while the assignments covered such diverse subject areas, they each
demonstrated exceptional insight and potential.
“It’s reassuring to see that the next generation of professional communicators are such smart thinkers.”
· Massey University’s Aly Thompson won her prize with her essay on how German politics and societal culture affects its
public relations practice.
· Unitec’s Marina Beck discussed the reputation crisis that nearly cost Cadbury its legion of chocolate-loving fans.
· AUT’s Shawn Moodie examined ZESPRI’s award-winning communications plan which helped avert damage to their brand during
a PSA outbreak.
Mr Green said SenateSHJ offers the annual prize to encourage excellence in communications and motivate students to
undertake more rigorous thinking and evaluation in their work.
“The SenateSHJ Prize rewards students who have the potential to be excellent communicators. We hope this early
recognition helps them secure roles in what we know is a tough industry to start out in.”
ends