Frequently asked questions
No Win No Fee PR
How does your No Win No Fee offer work?
After your free one-hour strategy chat, we’ll tell you straight if your story’s got legs. If it does, you’ll qualify for our No Win No Fee deal — if we don’t get you earned media, you don’t pay. If your story isn’t quite ready, we’ll give you structured options, outline what needs doing, and confirm the scope and cost upfront so you can decide how you’d like to move forward.
Is $699 per story expensive compared to other PR options?
Not when you consider what you’re getting: real, confirmed media coverage in top-tier New Zealand outlets. Traditional retainers can run into the thousands with no guarantee of results. With this package, you only pay when the story lands. One great placement can be worth tens of thousands in brand visibility and reputation.
What if we don’t get any coverage, is it a waste of time?
Not at all. You’ve risked nothing. We only take on stories and organisations we believe in and if we don’t deliver coverage, you don’t pay a cent.
Can we approve the messaging before it goes out?
Absolutely. You approve the angle, the press release and the final pitch before we engage with the media. This is your story, we just help shape and sell it in a way that gets traction.
Is this pay-for-play media or sponsored content?
No. We pitch genuine news and feature stories to real journalists. We don’t pay media outlets or push sponsored content disguised as news. Every story is earned and that’s where the credibility comes from.
What exactly counts as a ‘win’?
A ‘win’ means per story confirmed, published or broadcast media coverage in/on a credible New Zealand outlet — Includes: Stuff, The Post (print/digital) The Press (print/digital) Sunday Star Times, Sunday News, Waikato Times (print/digital), ODT (print/digital), NZ Herald (print/digital), Newstalk ZB Early edition with Ryan Bridge, Newstalk ZB Mike Hosking Breakfast, Newstalk ZB Heather du Plessis Allan, Newstalk ZB news bulletins, NZME radio news (Radio Hauraki/ ZM / Mix), RNZ Morning Report, RNZ Nine to Noon, RNZ Afternoons Jesse Mulligan, RNZ News bulletins, RNZ podcasts, RNZ Checkpoint, TVNZ One News, TVNZ Breakfast, TVNZ Seven Sharp, TVNZ Re:, TVNZ Q+A, TVVZ Marae, TVNZ Tangata Pacifica, Three News, NBR, Newsroom, Spinoff, Business Desk, TFN Paddy Gower, The Listener, MediaWorks radio news (The edge, George FM, More, The Breeze, Mai, The Rock, magic.) 95bFM. Plus agreed industry publications, magazines and independent media.
If multiple outlets cover the same story, do we pay $699 for each?
Yes, but each story placement gives you a different audience and impact. If you land in three publications/media outlets, you’re paying for three powerful placements. It means the story is resonating and you’re getting maximum reach.
Will this quick-hit PR approach dilute our brand?
Not at all. We take your tone, values and audience seriously. Every piece is tailored to fit your brand and support your long-term goals.
Do you take every story?
No, and that’s a good thing. We’ll only take you on if we genuinely believe we can land media coverage. We won’t waste your time (or ours) chasing something that won’t stick.
On-call Comms
Why would we need this if we’re not in crisis right now?
Because the best crisis communications strategy happens before the crisis.
This isn’t just for damage control, it’s also about prevention and preparation. We help you spot risks early, stay in control of your story and build goodwill before anything ever goes wrong. With our ‘Works’ package, you get ongoing support with media pitching, content, social media, newsletter writing and more, week in, week out.
We already have a comms team. Why would we need yours?
We’re the senior level back up your in-house team will thank you for.
Think of us as your extra muscle during crunch time. We can support your team with high level strategy, external perspective and newsroom tested expertise. And in a crisis, we help carry the weight so your guys don’t burn out.
How do we know you’re any good?
We’ve worked with top tier CEOs, MP’s, national organisations and media under pressure. Our team has decades of experience across journalism, corporate comms, business and crisis response. We’ve helped organisations navigate reputation threatening moments and come out stronger.
This seems expensive. Is it really worth the cost?
Absolutely, especially when silence or delay can cost far more. Our retainer gives you access to an entire senior comms team. That’s not just a safety net, it’s a growth driver. We help you protect your reputation, tell your story better and stay ready for whatever comes next.
What if we don’t use the full 20 hours every week?
There’s no such thing as ‘wasted’ time, we work proactively too. In quieter weeks, we use the time for strategy, content planning, media pitching or spokesperson training. You’ll never have to wonder if you’re getting value, we’ll make sure you do.
Why not just call you when something happens?
Because by then, it might be too late. In a real crisis, every minute counts. If you’re already retained, we jump in immediately. If not, we need time to understand your business, get background and build the message and that delay can be costly. Our retained clients also get priority access, we may not be available for last-minute help otherwise.
$150 an hour seems high, is that normal?
It reflects the level of our expertise and responsiveness you get. This isn’t junior help or generic agency fluff. You’re getting experienced crisis communicators, media strategists and storytellers available fast, 24/7 and ready to act with confidence and credibility. The fee you pay is for outcomes, not desk time.
Own The Airwaves
We’re already busy, how much time will this take from our team?
We handle almost everything. You just need to show up to record or let us host the show for you. We take care of scripting, editing, distribution and promotional content, so it’s a high-impact channel with minimal extra workload on your side.
Is podcasting really worth the investment? Can’t we just do it ourselves?
While anyone can hit record, producing a podcast that truly builds your brand and attracts the right audience takes more than just equipment. Our package covers strategic planning, professional production, promotion and audience growth. This package is designed to deliver a polished, impactful show that supports your business goals.
How do I know anyone will listen to the podcast?
Building an audience is a core part of our service. We create social media shorts and reels, SEO-optimised YouTube videos and a targeted distribution plan. Podcast episodes remain evergreen, continually attracting an audience.
We don’t have a natural host in-house. What are our options?
We can provide professional hosting or coach your internal spokesperson to confidently lead the show. Hosting is about storytelling and connection, not being a polished broadcaster. We’ll support you every step of the way.
Can’t we just focus on social media or newsletters instead of podcasting?
Podcasts complement your other channels by creating deep, long-form content that can be repurposed across social media, newsletters and often creates opportunities for earned media. It’s a powerful way to build trust and engagement with your audience beyond quick posts or emails.
Our industry is very niche, will anyone actually be interested?
Niche is an advantage in podcasting. You can become the go-to expert voice for your target audience, building stronger loyalty and trust in a less crowded space. People actively seek authoritative insights relevant to their needs and you can be that trusted source.
What if we run out of ideas or content partway through the series?
We plan your episode topics together during the strategy phase to ensure a steady stream of relevant content. Plus, we’re here to help refine ideas, find guests and keep your content fresh throughout the series. We keep you on track and inspired.
How many episodes should we commit to?
Six episodes for the first series is a great way to test the waters properly. We can however alter the amount of episodes if you want more and adjust the price accordingly. We recommend choosing the series length that fits your schedule and ambition.
How soon can we start and what’s involved?
Once you’re ready, we begin with a discovery call to nail your goals, audience targets and story. Then we develop the concept and production schedule. From recording to launch, you’ll be supported every step of the way from the off.