Auckland PR agency Wright Communications says the number of brands seeking guidance on sustainability strategic planning is growing in the face of a pandemic.
Managing Director Nikki Wright says that COVID-19 doesn’t appear to have stifled many organisations’ desire to improve their social and environmental sustainability performance – and be recognised for their efforts.
“We’ve had a steady stream of clients seeking our guidance over the last few months on how best to communicate the great work they’re doing, and it’s been right across the spectrum, from sustainability finance and investment to environmental impact and social concerns affecting New Zealand – even support for the COVID-19 vaccination helpline, Whakarongorau Aotearoa,” says Wright.
Wright says recent clients enlisting sustainability comms guidance and support from the agency include Toitū Tahua – the Centre for Sustainable Finance, the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA), Glad – for its ocean plastics campaign, Signature Homes and The Aotearoa Circle for its Mana Kai National Food Roadmap, while her team has also worked on sustainability reports for EnviroNZ and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
“Sustainability has been a strong passion since I set up the agency 15 years ago and it is a huge motivation for us as a team to assist our clients – excuse the terrible pun – in doing the Wright thing. We ‘walk the talk’ too: along with Toitū carbon certification we are now actively seeking B-Corp certification.”
The agency has also made a significant contribution in its work for charities over the recent lockdowns, says Wright. “Part of our credo is to give back – purpose beyond profit – and we provide a lot of pro bono and after-hours support for our not-for-profit clients like Presbyterian Support Northern and Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
“Our assistance helped PSN raise $30,000 for Lifeline and increase donations to Family Works’ foodbanks, while we’re regularly called on to help our lifeguards respond 24/7 to media inquiries re after-hours and weekend search and rescue incidents.”
Wright says the agency has retained its team throughout the pandemic and recently welcomed Amelia Cairns on board as a Senior Account Director.
“Amelia brings a solid comms background in the finance sector, most recently more than a decade with ASB Bank, as well as significant experience in the energy sector at Genesis, along with public sector experience at the Ministry for Social Development.”
