Experience

Last Word

• New Zealand
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Specialist

  • Jan 2023 - Present

  • Writing media releases, articles, blogs, publications, web content, copywriting and e-newsletters • Developing and implementing communication plans • Managing social media platforms and websites • Managing client relationships • Editing and proofreading • Media liaison • Writing media releases, articles, blogs, publications, web content, copywriting and e-newsletters • Developing and implementing communication plans • Managing social media platforms and websites • Managing client relationships • Editing and proofreading • Media liaison



Self-employed

• Wellington & Wairarapa, New Zealand

• Professional Communicator

  • Aug 2010 - Present

  • Communication Performance Coach at Charm School: people skills, public speaking, body language and other winning communication techniques - workshops and one-to-one coaching • Master of Ceremonies: boxing and kickboxing fight events - resident MC for Capital Punishment and Night of Assassins • Communications Secretary for Karori United Tennis Club (pro bono) • Business English and English as a Foreign Language tutor • Communication Performance Coach at Charm School: people skills, public speaking, body language and other winning communication techniques - workshops and one-to-one coaching • Master of Ceremonies: boxing and kickboxing fight events - resident MC for Capital Punishment and Night of Assassins • Communications Secretary for Karori United Tennis Club (pro bono) • Business English and English as a Foreign Language tutor



IAG

• Australia
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Communications Lead - Matou Tagata Pasifika Employee Network Group

  • Aug 2019 - Jan 2022

  • Designed and delivered a communications strategy for Culture Week 2020: a company-wide online celebration of employee cultural diversity, hosted by Matou Tagata Pasifika, which was IAG’s most successful online event ever in terms of employee engagement• Created a unique signature style of written communication that was used to give Matou Tagata Pasifika’s digital communications a consistent and accessible multi-lingual Pasifika flavour• Managed Matou Tagata Pasifika’s internal social media output, and created engaging Yammer posts and video updates• Wrote, edited and maintained the Matou Tagata Pasifika intranet site• Facilitated language learning workshops Show less

• Consumer Underwriting Specialist

  • Feb 2011 - Jan 2022

  • Managed the underwriting team’s internal communication outputs to deliver consistent and effective messages in line with IAG’s communication strategy• Wrote a business case for a loyalty recognition scheme and presented to IAG CEO and Board as Communication Lead in the winning team of company-wide innovation competition• Led a volunteer project for Volunteer Wellington - shortlisted for Volunteer Project of 2012• Created an effective communication training course for call centre staff - pitched to General Manager• Chaired the Underwriting Process Improvement Committee• Wrote and edited newsletters, bulletins and underwriting guidelines• Coached staff on how to improve their communication skills• Delegated 500 plus business critical tasks to five teams• Led consistency discussions and team meetings• Created and delivered bespoke training solutions• Mentored aspiring underwriting candidates• Briefed senior management on key business topics• Made decisions on crucial underwriting cases swiftly and efficiently to help IAG grow profitably Show less



ONI

• New Zealand
• Health, Wellness & Fitness

• Communication Specialist

  • Jul 2017 - Nov 2020

  • Wrote and edited website content • Facilitated workshops on communication skills • Coached team on: - how to communicate clearly, powerfully and effectively - how to create and develop positive relationships with clients - body language and social skills techniques • Wrote and edited website content • Facilitated workshops on communication skills • Coached team on: - how to communicate clearly, powerfully and effectively - how to create and develop positive relationships with clients - body language and social skills techniques



Allianz Insurance

• United Kingdom
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Underwriter

  • Mar 2003 - Jul 2008

  • Edited and proof-read policy wordings • Led, assessed and gave feedback for Underwriting Academy examinations as an examiner for the Chartered Insurance Institute (U.K.) • Coached colleagues with their professional development across the full learning cycle • Created and delivered presentations to staff on the functions of the underwriting department • Made decisions on crucial underwriting cases swiftly and efficiently to help IAG grow profitably • Edited and proof-read policy wordings • Led, assessed and gave feedback for Underwriting Academy examinations as an examiner for the Chartered Insurance Institute (U.K.) • Coached colleagues with their professional development across the full learning cycle • Created and delivered presentations to staff on the functions of the underwriting department • Made decisions on crucial underwriting cases swiftly and efficiently to help IAG grow profitably