Catholic Church closes its communications office

From 31 December, Catholic Communications, the national media office of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference, will be disestablished and its staff made redundant as a result of a restructuring of the Conference operation.

The office was first opened in Wellington over 30 years ago. Ten years ago it was moved to Auckland when Lyndsay Freer was appointed as national director of communications. During the last 10 years, Catholic Communications has broadened its engagement with the media, and expanded the Church’s internet presence.

From January, the role of the Church’s national communications office will be handled at its secretariat in Wellington with the appointment of a communications advisor.

Lyndsay Freer has been involved in Catholic Church communications for twenty three years, the first thirteen as communications advisor for the Auckland Diocese, before being appointed to the national role. In 1995 Mrs Freer received the rare honour of Papal Dame for her services to Catholic Church communications. She did not apply for the restructured position.

The Catholic Diocese of Auckland will now employ her as media advisor to the Bishop of Auckland, and other Church agencies have also approached her to work on their behalf.

ENDS

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