Client stories
Miyamoto Engineering
Following fierce earthquakes, government urgency and public demand were raising costs and regulations for earthquake engineering and re-strengthening. Haste was leading to clumsy design and underuse of new building technology.
David Weir of Miyamoto International tasked BlacklandPR with influencing this environment so customers and government understood that cheaper and smarter strengthening techniques and technologies were available.
Blackland organised visits to New Zealand by company founder and international earthquake expert Kit Miyamoto, and created front page and television news stories about his views on earthquake engineering.
It also facilitated a well-attended and publicised joint launch event with Deloitte of an analysis of the continuing hidden fiscal impact of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.
“Blackland got us in front of key people, and the media coverage ensured our name and message was seen very widely. It seemed like almost everyone had heard about it, and that stirred up valuable interest in our work.”
Social media training
When LGNZ’s training company EquiP received requests from their members for social media training it turned to BlacklandPR.
Blackland presented a webinar to mayors, councillors and community board members that brought them up to date on social media. It gave perspective so they could better understand what was happening on social media, and gave tips on how to immediately start using it effectively.
“Blackland crafted interesting and engaging webinar content and were easy to work with.” said Local Government New Zealand’s Professional Development Manager.
“People liked the content and performance so much that they we now use a short sample of this webinar to show other presenters how it should be done.”
Loving the Hutt
In 2012 Hutt City was threatened by amalgamation 80% of its residents did not want. The dominant voices were those of the organised and well-resourced ‘elite’ supercity supporters. News headlines declared “Wellington Supercity inevitable”.
Ray Wallace, Mayor of Hutt City, had to find a way of ensuring the views of his residents were not just heard, but were heeded.
He pulled together a crack advisory team, which included BlacklandPR. The team ensured weaknesses in the supercity concept and strengths of small-scale local government became apparent. The strategy was to ensure the opposition of ordinary people was the loudest and most numerous in the debate.
Two years later the Local Government Commission ditched its supercity proposal. Ray Wallace said;
“The decision was a victory for our residents – they got to keep the city they love. It was a sign of the power of a united community.”
Best of breed
As Welfare Officer with Greyhound Racing New Zealand, Greg Kerr has the reputation of the sport in his hands.
In 2012 the reputation was under media and political pressure over concern about the treatment of Greyhounds.
Since then things have changed dramatically. BlacklandPR helped the sport persuasively and confidently gave its side of the story to its members, media and politicians, right through an independent inquiry and changes in rules to reduce injuries.
Greg says the turn-around has made his job easier.
“The public can now see that greyhounds love racing, and the sport loves its greyhounds.”