Convergence recognised with two PRINZ Gold Awards

The awards recognise a long-term client engagement led by Convergence Directors Steve Attwood and Lisa-Marie Richan, who have worked alongside the client for more than a decade.

The project involved supporting a client through a Government policy process, including independent economic analysis, stakeholder engagement and direct work with Government officials. Rather than pursuing a public campaign, a deliberate decision was made to focus on targeted, transparent engagement with those directly involved in the process.

The approach centred on building understanding, aligning stakeholders and providing decision-makers with the information needed to assess the proposal on its merits.

The result was a significant commercial outcome for the client, achieved through a focused and cost-effective engagement programme.

While communications is often associated with media coverage and public campaigns, much of Convergence's work takes place behind the scenes. Supporting organisations through complex issues, stakeholder relationships and government processes is not always visible publicly but can have a meaningful impact on the outcomes achieved.

The awards recognise the value of strategic engagement and the importance of building trusted relationships over time.

Between them, Steve Attwood and Lisa-Marie Richan bring more than 25 years of experience advising clients on complex stakeholder, regulatory and government engagement matters. Their long-standing relationship with the client was a key factor in delivering the programme and its outcome.

The recognition also marks another milestone for Lisa-Marie Richan, who has now received three PRINZ Gold Awards for Government Relations work in the past five years. Lisa-Marie was also part of a Supreme PRINZ Award-winning campaign in 2021.

"We're delighted to see this work recognised by our peers," says Convergence Managing Partner, Leigh Harris.

"The result reflects years of trusted relationships, thoughtful engagement and a clear focus on helping our client navigate a complex process. Steve and Lisa-Marie have dedicated an enormous amount of time and expertise to this work, and we're very proud to see their efforts recognised."

The PRINZ Awards are New Zealand's premier public relations awards programme, recognising excellence and best practice across the communications profession.