Media Consultants

Robert Cochrane

Media Consultant

I started with Academy Publishing in April 1996 as part of a team run by the late Max Twist on the Wellington Today publication.

I was instrumental in the development and expansion of this publication to include progressively the Central North Island regions up to and including Taranaki, Gisborne, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. So successful was this initiative that the publication became a stand alone Central Today issue.

I work as a media consultant across the Academy business publications, Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington & Central Today arranging features on a wide cross-section of business from rural, to industrial, manufacturing, export, transport, design, automotive and construction industries.

I have been based in the river city of Wanganui for the past ten years and was educated at St Bernards College in Lower Hutt and have 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren.

Grant Williams

Media Consultant

I started with the Academy Group in 2000 coming from a background in business and sales and marketing. These skills have lent well to my career at Academy and the job I do looking after the advertising and marketing needs of small to medium enterprise nationwide.

I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside a number of New Zealand's most successful and forward thinking business owners and entrepreneurs and enjoy playing a part in telling the story of their success. Currently, I assist the Senior Management Team by training and mentoring new additions to the Magazine Sales Team and this is a challenge that continually keeps me on my toes.

I certainly enjoy the thrill of seeing Media Consultants 'under my tutelage' rise to the challenge of sales and experience the 'buzz' of sales success.

In my spare time I like to travel and see exotic parts of the world, I enjoy music and play bass and guitar, and do indulge (probably far too regularly) in the many fabulous chefs and restaurants Christchurch has to offer.

You can contact me at: grantw@academy.net.nz

Miranda Telfer

Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager within our Magazine division I find it a real buzz to work within a company such as Academy Publishing.

I work with a team of fantastic people who in turn are all part of our magazines success. I love the ability to work within many different magazines, showcasing people and businesses from all walks of life.

Having many years experience in sales has held me in good stead and continuing on in this role is exciting. I enjoy the banter that we have in our offices – it keeps it ‘real’ and shows we can work hard and have fun at the same time.

When not at work I love nothing more than a good dose of retail therapy, experimenting in the kitchen and having a nice glass of Pinot with loved ones…and travelling…when I can find time.

Steve Dando

Media Consultant

I have been working in business publications for the past four years. I believe that in a country like NZ the power of networking can be greatly assisted via print media and that true value can be delivered by comprehensive and interesting coverage of news and events.

With that in mind I strive to think outside the square and work with clients to deliver on advertising and profile potential through innovative, positive publicity solutions.

You can contact me at: stevedando@academy.net.nz

Melissa Sinclair

Media Consultant

Bill Thew

Media Consultant

Principals Today

I have been fortunate enough to have been part of Academy Publishing and Principals Today since September 2001.

I enjoy my job talking to my many customers and helping them promote their goods and services to the Education Sector.

My philosophy is to be truthful and provide the best possible service.

You can contact me at: bill@academy.net.nz

Mogens Petersen

Media Consultant

I’m the new kid on the block in print media advertising making a name for himself. I’m originally from Wellington with a strong & solid background in sales predominantly in the Telco market.

Academy Publishing presented a fresh challenge that is both refreshing and rewarding at the same time. I work alongside a fantastic bunch of people and it is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the team at Academy.

I’m passionate about what I do both professionally & personally. I’m the father of two wonderful little boys who take up most of my spare time. I do enjoy a cold beer over  the BBQ with friends & family in the summer and winter brings a lot of joy in the form of snowy peaks. I’m an amateur snow boarder at best and I live life to the fullest! I’m a real straight shooter who means what he says & says what he means.

You can contact me at: mogens@academy.net.nz

Evaon Watkins

Media Consultant

Retirement Today, Tearaway

I have worked with Academy as a Media Consultant for the past six years, specialising in a  range of publications including Retirement Today.

I also have a passion for boating and have developed and worked with several New Zealand boating clubs and produce their annual boating club handbooks.

I am looking for further publications, as many of my existing advertising clients are keen to expand their businesses.

You can contact me at: evaon@targetmedia.co.nz

Janet Campbell

Media Consultant

I've been a Media Consultant for Academy's range of Business publications - Auckland Today, Central Today, Wellington Today & Canterbury Today since 2006.

You can be reassured that your advertising requirements will be handled by a very experienced & knowledgeable team at Academy Publishing.

We like to make sure our clients are happy & that they are getting value for money.

You can contact me at: janet.sales@live.com

Clive Greenwood

Media Consultant

After 18 years, I sold my own publishing company to an Australian publishing house, and return back to the only company that I can trust what they do.

We have combined to launch Awareness today and I also look after the corporate and show for SafeBottles.

In my spare time I enjoy music, family and friends and just chilling where possible.

You can contact me at: clive@academy.net.nz

Lynne Puddy-Greenwood

Events Manager

I'm a new addition to the team doing events and who's who so if you have a great function going on email me and we will see if we can slot you in.

I have been involved with Radio and Magazines for many years and have covered Air NZ Fashion Events and Woman in Business, Corporate Events throughout New Zealand and have been an Editor myself of Business, Health and Women's Magazines.

I enjoy a challenge and hope to see you at one of my events.

You can contact me at: lynne.p@academy.net.nz

Melissa Kala

Media Consultant

I joined Academy Publishing in October as a Media Consultant in the magazines division and currently do work for Canterbury Today Magazine as well as Auckland, Wellington and Central Today.

My background is primarily in the Customer Service Industry but spans in to many areas such as tourism and hospitality, tourism and travel, retail sales, sales and marketing and administration.

I have completed New Zealand Diploma in Business at Vision College and a Bachelor of Arts with a major of Japanese at University of Canterbury.

Things I love are animals (I have two fur children), food and creating with new ingredients, books – in particular recipe books, stationary and travelling just to name a few!  After the rough year that we have all had here in Christchurch we deserve a break so this year my husband and I are off to Brisbane, Australia and next year we are going to Japan which is like my second home.  At the weekend I love to create in the kitchen or read a good book when I find the time.  I love crime shows like CSI Miami or Criminal Minds but you won’t find me sitting still for long.  I usually ride my bike to work too which is about 6 to 8 kilometres.

You can contact me on: melissak@academy.net.nz

George Ziegler

Media Consultant

Hi! I’m George Ziegler, and I started with Academy in November 2010. I have been involved in the advertising and B to B industry for over 20 years, largely with directory advertising, plus 2½ years with the Christchurch Star, leaving only to begin my own small business Ziggy’s Donuts for 5 years. I love the interaction and thrill of sales, and I have a passion for helping business owners get the most out of their advertising/marketing dollar, and sincerely believe the Academy magazines are an ideal medium for some of that dollar. I also know what works and what doesn’t in an ad!

Having been impressed with the quality and positivity of Canterbury Today magazines I’ve seen over several years, it was an easy decision to begin working for the company.  I like the friendly environment as well as support of fellow employees- It’s a good place to work! I also believe there’s a real value in the special features we do, and would be very happy to discuss these with you.

You can contact me at: george@academy.net.nz

Verne Williams

Media Consultant

I’ve worked within the Fitness Industry in my teens competing in the first NZ Aerobics Champs and as a twenty-something winning IFBB Junior & Novice categories.

During this time I also completed a B.A. in Psychology with Sociology & Education papers in tow. I have also completed a Diploma of Teaching & Learning from Canterbury University and have training in Special Needs with special interest in Aspergers children.

I have worked as an account manager for Mooted Publications, Sharp NZ & Renaissance NZ (Apple).  Whilst in these roles over 10 years I have acquired a vast skill-set including customer service, hardcopy page layout & web-design plus sales and marketing experience both hardcopy & online.  I enjoy brainstorming to best serve my client’s needs and are quite versed at sorting out the best approach via adverts and editorial.

My interests outside of work include my new hobby of burlesque dance, the gym when I’m not being lazy, music (70’s to now) watching DVD’s and spending time with my lovely hubby & son at our home in Southshore, Christchurch, NZ.

You can contact me at: verne@academy.net.nz