Sandpiper Launches New Zealand Office
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand: Sandpiper Communications (“Sandpiper”) has today announced the opening of a New Zealand office, which will support local organisations targeting international diversification and investment across the Asia Pacific region, as well as acting as a primary industries hub.
Based in Hawke’s Bay, one of the country’s largest food, agriculture and export hubs, the New Zealand team will work as part of Sandpiper’s integrated team of 100 multi-disciplinary corporate communications, financial communications, public affairs, research, creative, and digital specialists operating via a one P&L model based across Asia Pacific.
The office will be led by Ed Brewster, Sandpiper’s Director of New Zealand and International Media and supported by Julia Walker, Sandpiper’s Director of ESG and Sustainability, and Sandpiper COO, Kelly Johnston.
Brewster has worked in corporate affairs both in-house and agency side for 25 years across the technology, financial and infrastructure sectors. Until 2020, led corporate affairs, public policy and media for Huawei in the UK, as well as managing international media relations for Huawei Group in London. Prior to this he was head of global media relations for Prudential plc.
Walker has worked in finance, technology, ESG and international business and market development for 20 years. Based in Singapore for the past 10 years, she drove the international market expansion for major multinational financial data company, Refinitiv, and provided advisory services on the changing business, regulatory, sustainability and technology landscape across Asia Pacific.
Starting as a journalist for Radio New Zealand, Johnston has two decades of experience in strategic communications, financial communications public affairs and sustainability for organisations across a variety of sectors in Asia, Australia and Europe.
Sandpiper is also pleased to announce it has appointed Isabella Durant as a Senior Account Executive in New Zealand, reporting to Ed Brewster. Previously Durant was a Radio Reporter for Newshub, one of News Zealand’s leading independent news organisations.
Walking the talk on primary industries, Sandpiper will be the only Top 20 agency in Asia Pacific to have an office in a regional agriculture and primary industries hub.
Ed Brewster, Director International Media and New Zealand, Sandpiper, said: “We are excited by the possibilities of our New Zealand-based offering. As well as being the perfect base for our primary industries offering, we believe our experience can bring significant, tangible value to outward-looking New Zealand organisations across all sectors. Sandpiper’s established presence across Australia, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia gives us a unique platform to help tell the stories of New Zealand companies to target growth and investment. While brand New Zealand is very strong, significant opportunities for local brands remain untapped, and we want to help close this gap.”
Julia Walker, Director of ESG and Sustainability, Sandpiper, said: “Now is the time for New Zealand companies to unlock the opportunity that the transition to a low carbon and digital economy presents. Integrating climate risks and opportunities and understanding global regulatory and business environment changes will help position businesses for future success. Green finance is on the rise and many international investors are very keen to find opportunities in New Zealand. We believe, with our network and experience across the region, we are well placed to attract international investment.”
Kelly Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, Sandpiper, said: “The potential for New Zealand companies has never looked stronger, their entrepreneurial nature combined with brand New Zealand means there are real opportunities for growth and investment. I look forward to helping New Zealand organisations realise their ambitions, and further extending our primary industries experience to clients across the Asia Pacific region.”
This announcement is made as Sandpiper is named Fastest Growing Agency of the Year and 2021 Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by PRWeek, and a Best Place to Work and Asia Pacific Corporate and Public Affairs Agency of the Year by PRovoke in 2021.
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About Sandpiper Communications
Sandpiper is a strategic communications and public affairs consultancy based in Asia Pacific and operating globally. Our team are trusted advisors to industry leaders and market disruptors. We combine strong regional market understanding with global perspectives. Our deep specialist knowledge in the health, technology, finance, professional services, consumer brands, primary industries, government and energy and environment sectors ensures we understand the challenges our clients face, can think creatively about their issues, and shape strategies to achieve their business goals. Operating with one global P&L, we are nimble, creative, and able to harness new technologies to deliver advisory backed by rigorous research and deep insights. This enables us to meet the evolving needs of our clients quickly and effectively wherever they are in the world.
For more information, please contact:
Edward Brewster
Edward.Brewster@sandpipercomms.com
Kelly Johnston
