Sandpiper launches in New Zealand with Hawke’s Bay office

Asian communications consultancy Sandpiper has launched an office in Hawke’s Bay, its first in New Zealand and sixth across Asia Pacific.

Commenting on the expansion into New Zealand, Kelly Johnston, the Chief Operating Officer of Sandpiper, said: “The potential for New Zealand companies has never looked stronger, their entrepreneurial nature combined with a solid market outlook means there are real opportunities for growth and investment.”

In New Zealand, Sandpiper will help its growing roster of international clients with branding, communications and public affairs in the local market, as well as help New Zealandish companies with growth in foreign markets. “We look forward to helping New Zealand organisations realise their ambitions,” said Johnston.

“We are excited by the possibilities of our New Zealand-based offering. As well as being the perfect base for our primary industries offering, we believe our experience can bring significant, tangible value to outward-looking New Zealand organisations across all sectors,” explained Ed Brewster, who has been recruited to lead the new venture.

“Sandpiper’s established presence across Australia, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia gives us a unique platform to help tell the stories of New Zealand companies to target growth and investment. While brand New Zealand is very strong, significant opportunities for local brands remain untapped, and we want to help close this gap.”

Brewster brings around 25 years of experience in corporate affairs both in-house and agency side to the firm. Until 2020, led corporate affairs, public policy and media for Huawei in the UK, as well as managing international media relations for Huawei Group in London. Prior to this he was head of global media relations for insurance and investment house Prudential.

The launching team also includes Julia Walker (who joined the firm in April last year and has relocated from Singapore) and Isabella Durant (who joins the firm as an Account Executive to help kickstart the New Zealand operation).

Founded in 2019, Sandpiper Communications has around 80 professionals across its five offices.