Be understood. Build trust. Get backed.
Senior communications and public affairs counsel for high-stakes moments
Your moment
You have something important to say, and getting the right people to understand, believe, and back it matters more than ever. Maybe at this point they don’t, or not enough.
It could mean making a complex technology understandable, giving investors a reason to buy in, helping customers and staff navigate a difficult decision, or getting on top of a reputational issue.
Communications isn’t just about being heard. It’s about knowing what each key audience needs to understand or believe, the messages that will land, and the way to deliver them. Ultimately moving people toward action (or standing down).
I’m Melanie
14+ years in communications and public affairs, through the highs and invaluable lows. Working alongside leaders in the thick of it - from a Cabinet Minister’s office and New Zealand’s largest powerlines company, to a startup fighting for its next round and communities living through a crisis.
I’m drawn to clever people doing things with impact, and conversations that shift my world view. Raised in Mangere, with a lot of love I wouldn’t trade for anything. Outside of work, I’m big on family, love being outdoors, am a servant to two felines, and am learning (patiently) to master a sewing machine.
Why people call me
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Judgement forged advising leaders across government, start-ups, listed companies, political campaigns, and crisis response.
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I understand the stakeholders, audiences, channels and levers at play - and how to bring them together into a plan that moves things forward.
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Senior communications expertise, without the cost or ramp-up of a full-time hire, working directly with you and your teams.
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People closest to a decision explain it in ways that already make sense to them. I join the dots for people hearing it for the first time and grow authority.
Ways to work with me
A defined project
A launch, raise, crisis or other pivotal moment - from strategy to delivery.
Day rate
A focused session
Getting unstuck or fine-tuning: whether it’s your messaging and story approach, a plan for a specific moment, or spokesperson media training.
Per session (2+ hours)
Ongoing advisory
Dedicated time on a regular basis.
A set number of hours or days each month
If you’re on the cusp of a big moment, let’s talk
I take on a small number of clients at a time, so if the timing's right or you have something on the horizon, it's worth reaching out now.
Confidentiality is a given, happy to sign an NDA too if that's how you work.
