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Dryden’s legacy lives on in new PRINZ award

The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) has opened its annual awards competition by announcing a newly named award after long-standing chief executive Paul Dryden, who passed away in March 2011.

Reflecting his commitment to developing future PR talent and his focus on continuous learning, PRINZ has renamed its student award to the Paul Dryden Tertiary Award.

“Paul’s strong advocacy for continuing professional development within the industry saw the bar raised for practitioners,” says PRINZ fellow and awards chief judge Anna Radford. “He was also instrumental in establishing many of PRINZ’s current relationships with tertiary sector organisations. Acknowledging his contribution through the tertiary student award is a fitting tribute to Paul, and a celebration of the role today’s students play in the industry’s ongoing success.”

The Paul Dryden Tertiary Award is one of 11 categories, with winners from all categories (excluding Young Practitioner and Tertiary Student) then judged for the Supreme Award.

In 2011 the Supreme Award went to Melanie Palmer of ZESPRI International and Andrea Brady of Catalyst Communication Consulting Limited for the entry: ‘Communications for kiwifruit Psa outbreak’.

More than 30 PRINZ Fellows and senior members participate in the rigorous judging process, which evaluates a wide range of entries from the corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors.

PRINZ acting chief executive Simone Bell anticipates this year’s awards will showcase the talent of communicators more than ever before.

“Entries naturally reflect events of the past 12 months and in New Zealand a range of crises and celebrations dominated the headlines, with our members often leading the communications. As a result, we look forward to seeing some outstanding work entered this year.”

Entries are open to PRINZ members only, and close on 22 March. Winners will be awarded at a special event in Auckland on Friday May 11.

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