As befits a company operating in the communications space, Momentum is now regularly using social media to extend awareness of the jobs it has available.   Check out a new Communications Manager role for Hockey New Zealand which we have posted today on Seek and on our website - www.momentum.co.nz - ref 23352.   According to new media strategist Courtney Lambert (http:\\courtneylambert.co.nz) social media is a conversation not a campaign, so the best way to use this medium is with casual, authentic two way communication.   Momentum is also using Twitter and Facebook to extend its reach into social media networks with great results, as people are able to not only see who they would be working for when they apply for a new role, but even what their prospective offices would look like.   

Industry observers were a little surprised to see respected Auckland Regional Transport Authority marketer Shelley Watson score the top Public Affairs role at the new Auckland Council, while the role she effectively exited (in the shape of  the new Auckland Transport Public Affairs role) was taken by Public affairs Manager at Waitakere City, Wally Thomas.   While the next tier of appointments has not yet been announced it is expected that a number of the next level managerial appointments will be made from within existing Council communications teams.   Meanwhile Marketing and Events Manager at Manukau City Council, Donna Baker, hasn’t wasted any time landing a new senior role in Wellington as Head of Marketing and Communications for the Accident Compensation Corporation .  Other senior local government communications professionals are also landing private sector appointments such as contractor Matt Poland who is moving from Auckland City to Vector.



Long time public relations practitioners are waiting with interest following speculation that now Sean Plunket has (finally!) left Radio NZ and is fronting The Nation on TV3,  he may pursue a career in the public relations world as well.   PR/journalism boundaries used to be clearly defined:  these days they are starting to blur, with appointments like Suzy Clarkson,  Prime’s weekend news reader, having filled in the Public Affairs slot for Coca Cola Amatil on a maternity leave contract.   Exceltium owner Matthew Hooton has long freelanced as a social/political columnist without any apparent conflicts in his business, meanwhile Bill Ralston has also been using his media skills to advise selected companies while maintaining a columnist role for the Listener.  So how far can the role of journalist and PR adviser be merged together?  Prominent former broadcaster Brian Edwards of course has long held the dual role of media commentator and corporate/political adviser, most famously to former Prime Minister Helen Clark and her bunch of Ministers.  So if someone who has 4 decades of experience in the media can do it, why not the rest, I suppose?   



Compared to last year, the consultancy world has been busy as companies look for senior staff to fill in the gaps created by those who are willing to consider new opportunities that they ignored in last years uncertain job market.   Lwindi Ellis’s move from Draft FCB to Eleven PR was followed by PPR’s Angela Spain taking over the reins at Draft FCB with a growth mandate.  PPR have brought in Jonathon Tudor from Dubai who has been looking for an opportunity in New Zealand for some years, while long time BBG senior consultant Jay Louisson has joined Senate Communications after a stint in New York with NZTE.

The exodus from television to corporate PR has claimed another scalp with Neil Waka taking up the role of Corporate Affairs Manager at Holden, where they apparently plan to use his extensive on-screen experience to assist corporate executives with their media training needs on both sides of the Tasman.  Former Telstra Clear Head of Public Affairs Mathew Boland has crossed the fence to newcomer 2 Degrees, and word on the street is that Mercury Communications Manager Marie Hosking has accepted a corporate role with Air New Zealand.  And long-time Coca Cola Amatil Communications manager Amy Driscoll has finally left the soft drinks giant but this time, not for maternity leave - having had baby number three, Amy is off to Kraft.