"Public relations is essentially about developing and maintaining structured communications with stakeholders important to a business or organisation's operational and financial performance so they continue to support the business in their own ways."
Paul Hemsley
Paul began his consultancy career in 1987 with global consultancy Hill & Knowlton, based in its Wellington office. Paul eventually headed the New Zealand arm of this consultancy for over ten years, and was also a Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region.
Consultancy life took Paul beyond government relations to corporate and financial work for a wide range of local and international businesses.
This included businesses new to New Zealand that were looking to expand their networks, build reputation and express their vision,
as well as established companies seeking strategic direction and growth.
Since 2004 Paul has been based in Auckland, firstly as Executive Chairman for Hill & Knowlton New Zealand. After the closure of that office he set up Paul Hemsley Public Relations (PHPR), an Associate of Network Communications. He now operates out of Network's Auckland office. He has particular strengths in the areas of primary industry, food, manufacturing, and finance.
He is regularly invited to industry conferences and events to speak on various aspects of communications and public relations. During 2006 he spoke at a Food Safety Conference on "Managing Product Recalls" (May). He has also spoken at a number of conferences on the topics of PR and Corporate Responsibility, Crisis Communication, Communicating in a Health and Safety Crisis, Public Relations, Public Affairs and Ethics, and the Importance of Internal Communications.
Paul is a registered member of PRINZ, The Public Relations Institute of New Zealand