PRINZ honours Jackie Curtis with Life Membership at 2025 PRINZ Awards Gala Dinner

PRINZ has announced Jackie Curtis APR FPRINZ as the most recent recipient of Life Membership.

Curtis is an esteemed communicator in the public relations sector and has over 30 years of experience to show for it. She began her career with the NZ Fishing Industry Board and has held communications roles at NZ Red Cross, BP New Zealand and Canterbury Employers Association. She has worked at the most senior level within both the private and public sector for organisations such as Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Land Transport NZ and Meridian Energy. She is currently the Managing Partner of Cherry Red Consulting and is a board member of Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa in a voluntary role.

Says Curtis: “I was absolutely honoured to be recognised and acknowledged in this way. It was very unexpected – but what a great surprise!

“PRINZ has always been a huge part of my career. I joined early on as I was seeking professional development opportunities and there was very little available at that time.  Since then I have undertaken a range of PD and it has always been first class. I have also encouraged others to make the most of PRINZ learning as we are lucky to have access to international best practice available wherever you are in the country and whatever stage of your career you are at.

“Don’t underestimate the power of the sector and PRINZ to provide wonderful friendships. Through PRINZ I have met and made lifelong friendships which is such an important part of the collegiality on offer.”

Curtis has been a member of PRINZ for 31 years and became a PRINZ Fellow in 2001. Since becoming a Fellow, she has provided her expertise and time to be an annual PRINZ Awards judge and APR Viva Voce examiner. She is a strong mentor for young practitioners coming up in the industry. Curtis has also supported PRINZ at a national level on the PRINZ Executive Committee/Board and was the Chair of the PRINZ College of Fellows from 2023 – 2025. She has unequivocally demonstrated a high level of competence in her profession and has contributed significantly to the public relations industry and the institute.

Adds Curtis: “Giving back has always been part of my philosophy, and I have been happy to contribute to PRINZ. It is an incredibly valuable organisation and an important part of my professional life. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring young practitioners coming through the industry – sometimes I think I learn more from them! It’s a great way to keep up with new technologies.  For the same reason, I enjoy judging awards. These opportunities expose you to a new range of techniques and ideas, and I would encourage everyone to participate so you can retain that freshness of ideas in your practice at the same time as giving something back.”

Want to leave a comment? Share your thoughts in the comments box below, making sure to include your full name and email address.