PRINZ honours Joseph Peart with outstanding APR graduate Awa

3 June 2015

PRINZ honours Joseph Peart with outstanding APR graduate Award

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) has recognised the late Joseph Peart by naming the top accreditation in public relations (APR) student award in his honour.

Christchurch-based Annemarie Mora, Manager of Engagement and Communications, New Zealand Transport Agency, was awarded the inaugural top APR student award for her 2014 achievement. Graeme Sterne, PRINZ Fellow and APR Chief Examiner said that Annemarie received the award as she not only achieved top marks across the three assignments, written exam and viva voce, but also, “stood out for her humility and ability to connect with others.”

Dubbed 'The Godfather of PR' in New Zealand, Joseph was widely known for caring deeply about the public relations profession and the people who work in it, and was regarded with affection by public relations practitioners throughout the country. He firmly believed that that effective public relations and communication improves society, and that skilled public relations practitioners play an important societal role in the way New Zealanders get the right information to make good decisions.

PRINZ Fellow and past President Pauline Rose says that Joseph was seen as the chief architect of modern professional public relations in New Zealand. “His legacy is that he actively fostered the ethical practice of public relations while at the same time creating an educational environment where practitioners could gain qualifications and expertise.”

On receiving the Award Annemarie said, “I feel very honoured. Joseph’s incredible legacy inspires me to live up to his example in future.”

APR is an internationally recognised qualification undertaken by experienced PR practitioners, testing their knowledge, skill and ethical judgement. In 2014 12 practitioners achieved the qualification, officially graduating at last month’s PRINZ Awards Gala Dinner in Wellington.

ENDS

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