Sandra Eriksen has an extensive background in public relations and journalism spanning more than 26 years. She’s held senior communications roles at AUT University, Auckland City Council, the University of Auckland and Competenz, New Zealand’s largest industry training organisation.
As well as her experience in local government and the tertiary sector, she has worked with a diverse range of clients in the business, manufacturing, health and food sectors.
When it comes to journalism, Sandra has worked in most of the major newsrooms in Auckland. She’s been a news and current affairs producer for TVNZ and TV3, a reporter and sub-editor for the NZ Herald, Sunday Star Times and Melbourne Age, and a reporter for Radio New Zealand and the ABC in Sydney. She’s edited magazines, written numerous articles and taught journalism and public relations students at AUT.
At Auckland City Council she delivered the communications strategy for the Aotea Square redevelopment project, working with media and key stakeholders including the mayor, councillors, special interest groups and Ngati Whatua representatives. The public consultation was widely publicised and attracted a record number of responses.
She also helped set up the council’s dedicated media team and advised senior spokespeople on media issues.
Sandra has also worked on national public relations campaigns with major organisations such as the New Zealand Police, Auckland Regional Council and Committee for Auckland.
She has a farming background and strong rural connections, having grown up on an East Coast sheep farm. She’s also a qualified English language teacher and taught in Barcelona, Spain.
Qualifications and Achievements