Angela March June 15, 2026 2 min read
Brainchild named New Zealand PR Consultancy of the Year
It turns out all that's gold, really does glitter. Brainchild named 2026 PR Consultancy of the Year (Small to Medium) at the PRINZ Awards.
As New Zealand's fastest-growing region continues to shape the country's future, one of its own has just been named the nation's best.
Hamilton agency, Brainchild has been named PR Consultancy of the Year (Small to Medium) at the 2026 PRINZ Awards, taking out one of the communications industry's highest honours.
The win was announced at the 52nd PRINZ Awards Gala Dinner, the annual showcase for public relations and communications excellence in Aotearoa.
Angela March, founder of Brainchild, said the award is recognition of the growing importance of PR in an AI world.
"AI has changed the way content is created, but it hasn't changed the way trust is earned. If anything, it's made public relations more important. We're seeing a renewed appreciation for strategic communications and reputation management, and why this recognition from PRINZ is so special."
2026 PRINZ Awards
The PRINZ Awards are judged by senior communications professionals across New Zealand and overseas, with backgrounds spanning agency, in-house and government roles — making the recognition a genuine cross-industry endorsement of Brainchild's strategic and creative output over the past year.
Susanne Martin, CEO of PRINZ said, the organisation is immensely proud to see its regional members so consistently represented in the annual PRINZ Awards.
“This year, our Waikato-based members truly shone, led by Gold Consultancy of the Year winner Brainchild, whose innovative approach and commitment to excellence stood out among a highly competitive field."
The judges described Brainchild as 'an impressive, well-run agency with a sharp, future-focused point of difference. Brainchild has harnessed AI, both as a business operational tool and a strategic differentiator in how it delivers measurable value for clients.'
Martin said Brainchild's success was a testament not only to the strength of the consultancy itself, but also to the world-class communications and public relations talent emerging from the Waikato region.
"We've always been a little fond of gold, but this is probably our favourite shade yet," said March.
Brainchild’s win comes at a time when Hamilton and the wider Waikato are experiencing unprecedented growth and investment. Long viewed as a region punching above its weight, Waikato is increasingly attracting national attention for its innovation, infrastructure, business confidence and economic momentum.
Other Waikato-based PRINZ award winners included Hamilton City Council, Belle PR, HMC, and the University of Waikato.
