Shannon has a lifelong passion for language and communication, and with a background in journalism she has a keen appreciation of news and publicly contentious issues.
A trained broadcast journalist, Shannon recently hung up her headphones after six years as producer of the South Island’s top rating morning radio show – Newstalk ZB’s Mike Yardley. The role required Shannon to source thought provoking interviews and commentary that encouraged listeners to pick up the phone and talk to the host. As a result, her contact list is legendary and includes key local, national and international politicians, business leaders and social mavens.
Shannon is an expert at writing media releases. She is adept at crafting issues and news stories into conversational, accessible bites understandable by the average New Zealander. Her calm, confident manner puts people at ease and her superb listening skills means she gets to the heart of any matter quickly. Solution focused, Shannon relishes helping people find their own answers and working with them to bring about success.
Shannon has invaluable knowledge of the workings of local and central Government having previously worked in the electorate offices of then Cabinet MPs Lianne Dalziel and Damien O’Conner. In a personal capacity she gained hands-on experience working through Select Committee processes having been a founding member of The Good Fight – a network of families and professionals who have petitioned Government calling for a review of the maternity sector. Overcoming her own personal tragedy, Shannon and The Good Fight network offer support for families adversely affected by failings within the sector. Recently she also volunteered in Lianne Dalziel’s office working with constituents recovering from the Canterbury Earthquake.
Shannon is a lifetime magazine addict who can't get enough of news, style and gossip. As a result she has a keen interest in what's hot and what's not in consumer products, and the methods used to achieve this. Also, with three children, her knowledge extends to the youth and young adult markets.
Familiar with all aspects of social media, Shannon even manages to stay ahead of her teenager in all things technological. She is the office ‘gadget girl’ and tech issues problem solver!
Shannon is a talented photographer and designer, with a couple of personal websites to her name and years of freelance photo-journalism under her belt.
Convergence she works with clients Scenic Hotel Group, New Zealand Association of Orthodontists and Lincoln University Farmer of the Year.
Qualifications and Achievements
- Bachelor of Broadcasting Journalism (and the inaugural recipient of the Ross Stevens Scholarship for most promising Journalism Student), New Zealand Broadcasting School – CPIT
- NZ Diploma Business Studies, CPIT
- Blue Sash, Chen Men Wu Shu Kung Fu