DWC named finalists at the PRINZ Awards

DWC has been recognised for their work promoting the region as great place to live, work, and do business, earning them a spot on the shortlist for both the 'Best Use of Media Relations' and 'PR In-House Team of the Year' awards.

DWC’s submission for the 'Best Use of Media Relations' category highlighted the media outreach around the ‘Cut out for the Coast’ campaign. The campaign stemmed from Te Whanaketanga Te Tai Poutini West Coast 2050 Strategy, which includes a mission aimed at boosting confidence and pride in the region, attracting the right people and investment by enhancing the West Coast’s regional profile.

During 2022, the West Coast enjoyed substantial media attention with DWC securing 179 national and international media stories portraying the West Coast in a positive light.

A ‘Cut out for the Coast’ digital campaign was launched in October 2022, in collaboration with Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Poutini West Coast, the West Coast business community and creative agency SuperNatural. Within its first month, the campaign attracted 26 media features, including extensive television coverage and international stories featured in the UK Guardian, Sky News Australia, New York Times, and others.

DWC chief executive Heath Milne said, “The Coast is home to some truly amazing people and innovative businesses, and we are immensely grateful to all those who have shared their experiences. These stories have played a crucial role in helping showcase the best of what the region has to offer."

“DWC is very lucky to have such a talented media comms team who achieve a lot for the Coast with very limited resources. We are very proud of this recognition on the back of the great success from last year.”

DWC received one of only four PRINZ gold awards presented in 2022 for their media outreach around the GorseBusters initiative and was also a runner-up in the 'PR In-House Team of the Year' category.

For the PRINZ Awards, a panel of over 50 judges from various sectors of the public relations profession reviewed 113 entries across all categories, ultimately selecting 33 finalists. These finalists will vie for gold, silver, or bronze awards across 18 different categories.

Joint chief judges Denise Mackay, director of communications, engagement and events at Te Puni Kōkiri, and Andrew Pirie, chair of the Spark Foundation, said the judges focused on key characteristics of exceptional public relations programs and campaigns, including clear and measurable objectives, robust strategy, and concrete measurement and evaluation.

The winners of the 2023 awards will be announced at the PRINZ gala dinner in Auckland on Friday, May 26th.