Belle PR

12/08/2026

At a recent PRINZ event, senior editors and journalists from some of New Zealand's leading newsrooms shared what really influences whether a story gets picked up.

A few themes came through loud and clear:

✔ Relationships open doors, but newsworthiness wins coverage
✔ Human stories are more powerful than corporate messages
✔ Evidence beats buzzwords
✔ Understanding the audience is critical
✔ Great PR = strategic, not tactical

We've pulled together some of the key lessons in this carousel and will be exploring each topic in more depth through a new Belle PR blog series: What Makes the Media Tick?

Read the first blog here: https://www.bellepr.co.nz/blog/post/168588/what-makes-the-media-tick/

03/08/2026

In PR, what's the difference between an issue and crisis?
💡Issue: One complaint
⚡Crisis: RNZ wants a comment, a Facebook post has 500 shares, and your CEO is asking for a briefing in 10 minutes

Knowing the difference matters.

Most crises start with a problem that appears manageable - a complaint, a service issue, a negative review... the problem often doesn't change. But the visibility, scrutiny and loss of confidence do, and that's when an issue becomes a crisis.

Our latest article explores the difference between the two, and why organisations should focus less on predicting every possible crisis and more on building the capability to respond when the unexpected happens.

https://www.bellepr.co.nz/blog/post/167927/whats-the-difference-between-an-issue-and-crisis/

25/07/2026

Charlotte here. I love writing about things I care about. Last week's standout was writing a public statement for media on behalf of a family who had tragically lost a loved one. I enjoy finding the right words to share when people need a little help.

This week, trust has been one of the key topics of conversation at work. I couldn't help myself last night. I decided to write an article at 9pm, in bed, about how trust can deteriorate when decisions are made but are not communicated effectively to those that are impacted. The reality is we're never going to agree on everything, but if you're up front and help people understand how a decision was made, even when it's difficult, trust and respect can be maintained.

If you're in business, lead a team, or have a responsibility to communicate in some way with the public, this article is relevant to you. If you have 3 mins, check out the article here: https://www.bellepr.co.nz/blog/post/167925/how-do-you-communicate-a-difficult-decision-without-damaging-trust/

24/07/2026

Yesterday we had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Soda Inc. Women in Business Expo at Wintec, and it was such a fanastic event. There was a real buzz in the Atrium during networking - 200+ women connecting - and we had some superb conversations with existing colleagues, friends, and other women in business from across the Waikato.

A special mention to Veronica Harwood-Stevenson who is the director and founder of . What an incredible woman! You inspired us all with your story - thank you!

If you didn't get along to this event, keep an eye out for it next year. We'll definitely be back.

16/07/2026

Next week’s full of events that we’ll be attending that might interest you.

On Tuesday 21 July we’ll be at the next Waipā Tech Series meetup here in Cambridge, with this one focusing on how AI is reshaping the way we recruit, work and lead. We’ve been partnering with Rocketspark, Soda Inc, Waipā District Council and BNZ for the past 12 months to bring these events to our local business network. What better way to spend a Tuesday night than to discuss what happens when CVs and cover letters all start sounding the same, and sharing how mentally overloaded we feel by AI tools. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/waipa-tech-meetup-3-2026

Then on Thursday 23 July it’s double the fun with us supporting the Soda Inc. Women in Business Exhibition 2026 at the Atrium in Hamilton around lunchtime, then heading to the Cambridge Business Chamber Dress for Success Fashion Show, Sip and Shop.

Charlotte had the absolute pleasure of visiting Dress for Success in Hamilton today to learn about the incredible work they do to uplift women and help them show up with style and confidence for job interviews, graduations and other events. She’s also now styled and ready to hit the runway on Thursday! How cool is that?! You may still be able to get tickets to this event - all the details are included in the image attached.

05/07/2026

Are you a Waipā based business?

Our clients Urban Miners Waipā are looking for feedback that will help them immensely with e-waste solutions for businesses.

If you can spare 4 mins, please complete this survey: https://form.jotform.com/261678592647878

We are keen to hear from local Waipā businesses to understand their perspectives on and management of e-waste, and have designed a short, 4-minute survey!

If you own or work for a Waipā- based business, we'd love your feedback.

Plus, you'll go into the draw to win $500 of free e-waste collection credit!!

Your response will hugely help to develop more effective recycling and collection services for the district.

📅 Survey closes this Thursday 9 July

👉 https://form.jotform.com/261678592647878

10/06/2026

It’s finally Fieldays week and we’ve been fortunate to help two clients this year with their branding and event planning. Charlotte has also been fielding questions today with the team at Nutrinza’s site. Day one almost done! 💪

08/06/2026

This photo really sums up our Thursday night last week.

Kylie's Urban Miners - Waipa E-Waste Recyclers 'Tech or Treat' campaign won Gold in the low budget, high impact category at last week's PRINZ Awards.

The real icing on the cake was winning the Research, Measurement and Evaluation Award, which is automatically judged for all award entries. Seeing our brand up next to One NZ and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori when the finalists were announced was a pleasant surprise, but winning.... WOW! This one blew us away as it's an acknowledgement of our technical expertise. We couldn't be prouder.

Thank you to our clients who have trusted us over the past five years. We have renewed inspiration and motivation to continue the meaningful and important work we absolutely love.

28/05/2026

How bloody exciting is this?! Such a proud moment for us to be part of 3RD EDITION of the Love Cambridge magazine. This is such a fun project to work on.

A huge thank you to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce NZ for trusting us with these stories, and for the ongoing opportunity to help showcase the people, businesses and moments that make our town what it is. The Kaz - Design Brand Web team has done a lovely job on the creative.

Pick up a copy at the Cambridge Business Chamber office, Belle's offices on Alpha Street, or check out the website: https://www.lovecambridge.co.nz

30/03/2026

So great to catch up with Dennis Hunt, Cambridge fire chief, and hear all about the remarkable work he and his crew of volunteer members do for the Cambridge community 🚒

Great local stories, great local hero’s!