Fellowship acknowledges skill of Public Affairs General Manager

Michael Player, General Manager Public Affairs, and his wife Debbie at the ceremony to welcome him as a PRINZ fellow.

Michael Player, New Zealand Police’s General Manager of Public Affairs, was recognised by his peers recently when he was admitted to the College of Fellows of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ).

Since completing his Certificate in Magazine Journalism at Wellington Polytechnic where he was recognised as the most competent student in 1973, Michael has had a diverse and dynamic career in public communication.

He worked as a press officer in a number of government departments before moving to the Beehive where he worked as a press secretary for both the Hon Harry Lapwood and the Hon George Gair whose respective portfolios covered Tourism, Government Print, Energy, National Development, Health, Social Welfare and Transport.

Other roles have included Manager of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Information Director for the Meat Industry Association and Corporate Communications Manager for the Department of Social Welfare

In 1999 Michael joined Police as the General Manager Public Affairs. Michael was recognised by PRINZ as “the consummate public relations professional who has elevated the professional standing of public relations across the public sector”.