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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
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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.
You can contact me at: miranda@academy.net.nz |

Kent Caddick Media Consultant
I joined Academy Publishing in 2011 as a Media Consultant in the magazines division currently focussing on business clients for our Canterbury Today, Auckland Today, Wellington Today and Central Today magazines.
I have spent the last 20 years working in the media in various roles and am well versed in the ways the media can assist businesses prosper and grow through well placed editorial and advertising. I enjoy the interaction with Academy Publishing business clients and take a great deal of satisfaction in assisting these businesses to position themselves in leading roles in their markets.
In recent times playing a role in assisting Christchurch and other Canterbury businesses recover from the severe disruptions caused by the devastating earthquakes has been an extremely rewarding challenge.
Prior to being involved in the media I owned my own business in the hospitality field. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and a postgraduate Diploma of Journalism from the University of Canterbury.
I am a big sports fan in my spare time, still enjoy the odd game of football myself and have recently taken up the ancient gladiatorial sport of croquet.
You can contact me at: kent@academy.net.nz |
Melissa Sinclair Media Consultant
I have been working for Academy Publishing since the end of January 2011, and after a “shakey” start I am really enjoying myself. The people are great to work with and very friendly, fun and helpful.
My background has been 10 years at Christchurch Casino in various roles including Marketing & Promotions, Security, Customer Service and a little MCing of concerts.
I am proud to be a part of the Academy Group of companies - 100% New Zealand owned and operated.
I love sourcing great local and national businesses with a story to tell along with helping businesses advertise their success and what they can do for the community. We live in a great country and there is so much to do if I can help get the word out then I am happy.
You can contact me at: melissa@academy.net.nz |
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
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Evaon Watkins Media Consultant - Tearaway
I have worked with Academy as a Media Consultant for the past six years, specialising in a range of publications.
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
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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
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Anthony Patrickson Media Consultant
I’m relatively new at Academy, new in Christchurch and new in New Zealand – the resident pom from Newcastle (and no, I don’t watch Geordie Shore!). The team here at Academy have made me feel incredibly welcome and continue to assist me with various aspects of the job – something I’m very appreciative of as I continue to learn the ropes.
One of my major passions is travel, hence why I’m on the opposite side of the globe to my birth-place and have been for some time! During a two year stint in Australia I worked some pretty diverse jobs ranging from tree-felling in the outback to shark fishing in the Indian Ocean, but it was the prawn trawling in the Gulf of Carpentaria that stood out – 2-3 months per year at sea and the intensity was unrivalled – so much so I decided to write a book on my experience called ‘Travelling, Trawling and the Utterly Appalling’. This combined my love of writing with my love of travel and ultimately for the first time in my working-life, utilised my English Literature degree! I also have 2 years as a foreman of a resin-based surfacing company under my well-worn belt.
In my leisure time I like to write. I’m currently working on my first fictional book, but I also like to keep the heart-rate high with an array of exciting activities. Football (I refuse to call it soccer) has been a life-long obsession for me but I also like to indulge in a spot of the following – spear-fishing (a hobby perfected on the Great Barrier Reef for two years, no biggie!) boxing (5 amateur fights in England), snow-boarding (complete novice), gym, running, mountain-biking etc, etc!
You can contact me at: anthonyp@academy.net.nz
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Jane Watson Media Consultant
I started work for Academy Publishing in January 2003 and am very proud to be associated with the development and expansion of this company during that time.
Over the years - and necessity has meant there’s been long breaks in between my Academy “chapters” - I’ve particularly enjoyed working alongside clients developing generic sections “Sustainability in Business”, “Corporate Destinations”, “History in Business” etc.
In 2006 I moved for a period into the role of Business Development Manager for Business publications. Particular satisfaction here was in project managing the comeback of Wellington Today; nurturing and securing mutually beneficial business partners and identifying opportunities to bring our Today publications business forward.
Due to personal circumstances I moved my office to a home base in 2008 and have just returned from an extended period of bereavement leave. And have just begun to celebrate life again. The words “Academy family” mean so much now as I start on a new segment of the journey.
Years ago I gained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury and worked previously for TVNZ as a researcher and writer (Children’s programmes, Maori language) and (after the formation of the Maori Unit, Ak.) Now TV and CTV (Christchurch) as an account mgr. and occasional writer/radio (children’s programme) voice performer.
I have been an enthusiastic Mum and have two grown sons. And in my spare time I’m recording oral memoirs and the sound of N.Z’s (still operational) industrial (machinery) heritage – the current project focussing on N.Z’s maritime history (steam and motor ship, and fishing industry). Am working on putting together a body of work that can be donated to museums.
Please contact me if you know of an elderly person who has a life experience/knowledge in this regard and would be keen to have their memoirs recorded.
You can contact me at todaybiz@academy.net.nz
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