The Challenge

CVC launched into one of the most complex and highly politicised environments New Zealand has seen in recent history. The company faced widespread misinformation, conspiracy theories, anti-science sentiment, and intense public scrutiny at a time when trust in science was low and information was scarce.

Our Approach

Authority PR was engaged to cut through the noise and position CVC as a credible, trusted scientific voice. We developed a disciplined, science-first narrative focused on transparency, New Zealand innovation, and public benefit. Working closely with the CVC team, we managed a broad range of stakeholders — from government agencies and research partners to investors and the general public — while maintaining a calm, non-partisan stance in a highly sensitive environment.

Key Results

• Secured positive coverage across all major New Zealand news outlets and prime-time television programmes
• Generated specialist features and long-form articles that strengthened CVC’s scientific credibility
• Established CVC’s leadership as trusted biotech experts in the national conversation
• Built valuable relationships with key government agencies and high net worth investors
• Effectively highlighted CVC’s unique New Zealand biobead technology and its advantages in safety, immunity coverage, and accessibility
• Advanced joint scientific programmes with major partners including Fonterra, Scion, Auckland University, Callaghan Innovation, and Ardigen

In a highly politicised and emotionally charged environment, Authority PR helped CVC protect its reputation, navigate significant risk, and establish itself as a respected player in New Zealand’s biotechnology sector.

The Challenge

I Am Hope operates in one of the most scrutinised spaces in the country: youth mental health, public funding, and a high-profile founder. After Government funding was announced, the organisation faced sustained media pressure, misinformation, and noisy commentary that routinely distorted how Gumboot Friday works and what the numbers actually mean. The challenge was to protect public trust, keep donors and partners confident, and make sure the story stayed anchored in delivery: kids getting help, fast.

Our Approach

Authority PR was engaged to strengthen I Am Hope’s communications across earned media, partners, and owned channels. We developed a disciplined, plain-English narrative built around transparency, accountability, and practical support for young people. Working closely with the team, we supported proactive messaging, campaign planning, and stakeholder communications, while maintaining a calm, community-first tone.

Alongside media and partner communications, we helped implement a more consistent social strategy and hands-on community management — ensuring the organisation could show up in real time, respond appropriately, and build stronger connection with supporters and collaborators.

Key Results

• Strengthened public-facing messaging to improve clarity and consistency across all channels 
• Supported proactive communications that reinforced delivery, transparency, and trust
• Helped establish I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday as credible, outcomes-driven voices in youth mental health
• Built partner-ready messaging and materials to support sponsorship, community initiatives, and stakeholder engagement
• Implemented a more cohesive social strategy and engagement approach to improve responsiveness and community connection
• Supported sensitive and time-critical communications in a way that protected the organisation’s reputation and kept the focus on young people accessing help

In a highly scrutinised and politically charged environment, Authority PR helped I Am Hope communicate with confidence, maintain trust, and keep the narrative anchored in youth outcomes and community impact.

The Challenge 

Walk Without Fear Trust operates in a highly charged and often polarising space: street violence, criminal justice reform, and public advocacy led by high-profile figures from the combat sports sector. The involvement of well-known personalities, combined with the emotional weight of victim-led storytelling, placed the Trust under intense public and media scrutiny from the outset.

The challenge was to cut through noise, scepticism, and occasional backlash — while building credibility across a wide range of stakeholders including New Zealand Police, Government and opposition politicians, media, schools, community groups, and the wider public. At the same time, the Trust needed to shift perceptions: reframing anti-violence messaging in a way that resonated with younger audiences and communities where these behaviours often occur.

Our Approach 

Authority PR was engaged to lead communications, narrative development, and campaign execution for Walk Without Fear Trust. We developed a clear, grounded messaging framework centred on education, prevention, and accountability — ensuring the Trust could speak with authority while remaining accessible and community-driven.

A key focus was leveraging the unique positioning of elite MMA athletes to challenge misconceptions around violence. By juxtaposing disciplined, regulated combat sport with reckless street violence, we helped create messaging that was both credible and culturally relevant.

We executed a high-impact social and content strategy designed for reach and engagement, producing viral video content featuring recognised fighters and coaches. This was supported by real-time community management, ensuring the Trust could respond effectively across platforms and maintain control of the narrative.

Alongside digital execution, we supported stakeholder engagement across government, media, and community networks — including advocacy around the Crimes Amendment Bill and coordination of messaging with victims’ families and partner organisations.

Key Results 

• Delivered viral, high-engagement social content reaching millions across New Zealand and internationally
• Positioned Walk Without Fear Trust as a credible, authoritative voice on coward-punch and social violence 
• Successfully leveraged high-profile ambassadors to drive awareness while maintaining message consistency
• Built clear, consistent messaging that resonated across media, government, and community stakeholders
• Strengthened relationships with key partners including media, policymakers, and community organisations
• Supported advocacy efforts around legislative reform, including submissions and public positioning on the Crimes Amendment Bill
• Established a distinctive narrative that reframed anti-violence messaging in a way that connected with younger audiences

In a complex and often controversial environment, Authority PR helped Walk Without Fear Trust cut through, build credibility, and make anti-violence a national conversation via visibility and cultural impact.