Mary Baines Mary Baines

The hidden cost of telling hard stories: Vicarious trauma

Journalists have a name for it. Communicators largely don’t - yet. But those working in humanitarian, human rights and crisis communications, vicarious trauma is a very real occupational risk. I spoke to Crispin Thorold - former BBC foreign correspondent, UN communications specialist, this year’s Global PR Practitioner, and now training as a clinical psychologist - about the risks.

Read More
Mary Baines Mary Baines

What Mike McRoberts wants NFPs to know about media

Why do some NFP stories get picked up by media, while others, just as newsworthy, never get a response? I spoke with veteran New Zealand journalist Mike McRoberts - who has reported from war zones, humanitarian disasters and everything in between - to find out what NFP communicators need to understand about the media.

Read More
Mary Baines Mary Baines

What mental health prevention teaches communicators about behaviour change

Mental health prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand shows what comes after awareness. Drawing on insights from Sarah Manley of Mitey (part of the John Kirwan Foundation), this blog post explores how communications must shift from reducing stigma to building practical skills and sustained behaviour change - because awareness is only the starting line.

Read More
Mary Baines Mary Baines

What charity leaders want from their comms team: Lessons from a seasoned CE

What do charity leaders really want from their communications advisors? Seasoned chief executive Shaun Greaves shares candid lessons on trust, judgement and human-centred messaging, drawn from leadership roles across Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand Red Cross and now Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN).

Read More
Mary Baines Mary Baines

How purpose-driven organisations can cut through in business media

I spoke with NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol about how business media can help purpose-driven organisations reach influential audiences. He shared insights into what makes stories stand out - and how one NGO’s podcast appearance led to a significant donation from a single listener.

Read More