We weave good wairua, Te Ao Māori and top level communications expertise together to form a dynamic agency ready to work with like-minded businesses and organisations to further the game of our culture within the commercial world.
Our founder Bridgette Tapsell has been in the PR industry assisting Māori organisations and businesses for more than 20 years.
A pioneer Māori PR agency owner, she also owns the well-known agency Village PR with clients including New Zealand Avocado, Destination Rotorua, Tatua Dairy Co-op, Live+, Golden Homes and 5+ A Day.
Bridgette wanted to create a sister brand to Village, that would service clients who wanted to access a specialised skillset of iwi communications and to tap into our collective networks.
Cast a stone across waters to create many ripples.
Whare PR is a hub for communication specialists to hui and hone
their talents and be amongst people who are like-minded.
We are advocates for Māori culture, have a commitment to te reo
and strive for excellence in our māhi.
We can provide te reo copy for your marketing communications including presentations, speeches, annual reports, newsletters and social media platforms.
Our videographer is fluent in te reo and a highly experienced film maker.
Our design is fresh, relevant and has a proven commercial track record for hitting the mark. From social media platforms, online marketing to brochures and the creation of new brands, Kim always delivers designs that connect with, and inspire your audiences.
We are experts at successfully aligning your values and goals to create a communications plan – and then executing it seamlessly.
We create engaging posts, manage responses and keep your brand top of mind with your consumers.
For more than 20 years we have been providing these services. They include news release creation, distribution and follow up as well as media management for news stories.
Through tapping into our sister company Village PR, we are able to advise on suitable influencers for your projects and deliver original concepts, with flawless execution to the influencer community.
Iwi politics are complex. We understand them and are adept at working with legal teams and advising on the most effective communications strategy for your individual situation.
I cut my teeth in communications as a part-time marketing executive in 1990 working for Gallagher Power Fence Systems in Hamilton while I was studying full time for a Bachelor of International Management Studies degree at the University of Waikato. It was during my four year degree and time working for Gallagher's that I fell in love with marketing and communications, and my career has continued on this path from there.
I've held a number of challenging and fun positions throughout my career from international marketing roles involving working with distributors around the world, to management roles in advertising agencies through to the more specific online communications we participate in today.
Throughout my career my passion for language and other cultures has remained strong. I completed my degree with a major in French and also achieved Bursary level Spanish before doing a one month immersion course in Puebla, Mexico. This year, I am undertaking my second year of Te Reo Māori and am really enjoying the people, environment and culture I am discovering already on this exciting new journey.
Village PR provided all communications support to the Te Arawa 2018 Royal Visit Committee who were asked by NZ Government Internal Affairs Visits Office to provide a marae welcome, showcasing the best of Te Arawa to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Megan Markle. This took place on 31st October 2018 at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu.
This included all liaison with the large national and international media contingent, the preparation of media kits and ensuring that all cultural messaging and enquiries were prepared, delivered and managed. Media accounts of what took place, had experienced royal tour media professionals recounting that it was the most culturally profound and professional experience they had witnessed or been part of.
Mark TantrumMonty Morrison JP Co-Chair, Te Arawa 2018 Royal Visit Committee:
Members: Dr Sir Toby Curtis, Mr Pita Anaru ED, MNZM, Whaea Norma Sturley, Trevor Maxwell, MNZM (Co-Chair)
When I first engaged Bridgette’s team to help us better communicate what we do, she told me that "in a year's time, you will not recognize your organisation." She was spot on! Our Trust has seen a major transformation from a relatively unknown entity to a dynamic and successful tribal Trust with a local and national profile.
Katie Paul - Former Chair, Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust
Paula Dudley - 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, General Manager
Bridgette has a deep understanding of how difficult it is to promote Māori issues in a positive light. In addition, she is a pleasure to work with.
Māori Women’s Development held the inaugural Māori Women’s Business Awards in Aotearoa. At the time, there was little to no public awareness of Māori women in business, let alone their successes.
Vanessa Scott
E ngā rangatira ma tenei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa.
Over the last 18 months Te Runanga o Ngāti Manawa Trust (TRONM) have worked very closely with Bridgette and her team on a number of key projects within the rohe of Ngāti Manawa.
MuruparaKani Edwards - Chairman, Te Runanga o Ngāti Manawa.
