Eighteen public relations practitioners have gained accreditation (APR) after successful completion of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand's (PRINZ) 2011 accreditation programme.

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is an internationally-recognised qualification for PRINZ members with at least five years practical experience in the industry.

PRINZ National President Jane Dodd says APR is a mark of distinction and demonstrates commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. "APR is a key component of PRINZ's Continuing Professional Development programme, and these eighteen graduates now join a select group of accredited practitioners."

APR involves six months of intensive study whereby candidates must complete a number of written assignments and manage a major project. They also write case study solutions in an exam setting and are interviewed by a panel of senior practitioners.

The 2011 APR graduates are:

Auckland

Claire Rennie - Director, Quick Brown Fox Creative

Keelin Flynn - Account Director, Core Communications Ltd.

Lucy Jackson - Senior Communications Advisor, Mighty River Power

Mike Shaw - Senior Communications Advisor, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd.

Rachel Blundell - Senior Account Manager, Core Communications Ltd.

Sharleen Pihema - Public Affairs Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Auckland Transport

Hamilton

Jacqueline Humm - Communication Services Manager, Wise Management Services Ltd. Natalie Palmer - Senior Communication Advisor, Wise Management Services Ltd.

Peta Goldsworthy - Group Manager, Public Relations, University of Waikato

Bay of Plenty Jacky James - District Communications Manager, BOP District HQ, New Zealand Police

Wellington Amy Watson - Communications Advisor, IHC

Debra Harrington - Senior Communications Advisor, New Zealand Transport Agency (contract role)

Kate Lancaster - Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, Ministry of Education

Misty Knowles - Communications and Marketing Manager, Careerforce

Philippa Ross-James - Senior Advisor Engagement and Communications, New Zealand Transport Agency

Christchurch Adrienne Schwartfeger - Internal Communications Advisor, Environment Canterbury

Brent Melville - Head of Corporate Communications, PGG Wrightson Ltd.

Jan McCarthy - Senior Communications Advisor, Christchurch City Council