Media Consultants

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

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.

My key hobby is classic/historic motorcycles and NZ history and I've had articles regularly published in a Wanganui newspaper and Australian, UK and NZ motorcycle magazines.

You can contact me at: robertc@amcom.co.nz

Jane Watson

Media Consultant

Jane Watson (formerly Meera Negi) joined the Today business publications team in 2003. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of New Zealand and the media.

A brief career history prior includes a B.A. in Maori Studies and New Zealand History (Cant.); Researcher and Writer TVNZ (Children's programmes); years as an Account Manager and children's programme contributor for local T.V/radio stations - Now TV, Canterbury on Air and CTV – whilst being a 'hands on' Mum to her two sons.

Passionate about New Zealand and business Jane has driven and maintained generic sections of relevance: Environmental Awareness in Business (laterly, Sustainability in Business); History in Business; Corporate Destinations and "focus" sections on various regions. She has always dealt with prime position sales.

You can contact me at: todaybiz@xtra.co.nz

Doug Walker

Media Consultant

I'm the longest serving media consultant in the magazines division.

I have over 15 years with Academy and prior to that I owned my own print finishing business. Before that I was with the Christchurch Star also for 15 years. I am a fully qualified photoengraver as well as a qualified photolithographer.

In my free time I enjoy indoor bowls, cycling, painting, fishing and photography.

Currently I work on Principals Today as well as working on the business publications.

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

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

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

Janice Bateman

Media Consultant

Retirement Today, Tearaway

As my life has always been centred around ‘people’ and acknowledging that I have always been involved with media and public performance (television, stage shows, performance singing, recording, and more), then my career at Academy Publishing was written in the stars.

Whilst having my hand in many of our projects, my passion is the publication that I conceptualized; Retirement Today.

Suffice to say that anybody who comes to deal with me gets the best of the best: the singing, dancing, acting, mother of two and loving wife that always achieves above and beyond.

You can contact me at janice@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

Colin Morais

Media Consultant

I have been at Academy since 2002 and have a Post Graduate Diploma in Commerce from Lincoln University and a Business Studies Diploma from Massey University.

I have lived in Malaysia, the UK and Australia prior to coming to New Zealand and have worked as a Financial Controller for a Christchurch company and also have an AREINZ from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

I have worked on a whole range of topics for our various publications covering all types of Business Development features that include Company & Generic Profiles, Property & Construction, Agribusiness, Finance and IT.

I'm also interested in jazz and sing and play tenor saxophone & trumpet occasionally in local bars.

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

John Somerville

Media Consultant

I am in my 12th year representing Academy Publishing, having been originally hired by the late Max Twist in February 1998.

During this time I have always worked from home in Wellington, an arrangement I enjoy although it does require self discipline to be in the office by 8.30(ish) every morning.

I have always found Academy to be a company of very high principles whose publications I am always proud to represent.

You can contact me at: john.somerville@xtra.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

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

Graeme Tall

Media Consultant

I have been with Academy Publishing for 12 years and have always found Academy Publishing to be an honest company to work for.

The company also helps out many charities which is a testament to the core values of the business.

I work from my office at home in Wellington and have an avid interest in Rugby, Cricket, Weightlifting and other sports as well.

Other activities that I am involved with are gardening, serving my local church and my local community.

You can contact me at: gtall@paradise.net.nz

Mike Burke

Media Consultant

I joined the Academy Group earlier this year as a Media Consultant. Academy allows me to bring to the group a varied skill base in sales and marketing, journalist - talk back host in broadcasting, as well as company director of two companies.

I’m passionate in finding solutions that best fit the needs of those whom I associate with and subsequently became self employed and entered into a number of management contracts with Trust Boards and local authorities.

My interests are jogging, golf, reading, live theatre, public speaking and a night at the races, as well as being a member of NZIM and Rotarian.

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

Anthony Li

Media Consultant

I have recently joined the Magazine Sales Department at Academy Publishing as a Media Consultant.

I have extensive experience in client liaison and account management and ensure that all clients receive outstanding service and attention.

I am very excited about joining this company – it has vision and a drive for success. I completed a BSc degree at Massey University and am an animal lover.

Outside of work I am affiliated with badminton, squash and tennis. I also enjoy a quiet poker night and spending quality time with my wife and friends.

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

Luke Finucane

Media Consultant

I have recently joined the Magazine Sales Department at Academy Publishing as a Media Consultant and have over six years experience in sales, marketing and advertising.

I always approach projects with enthusiasm, confidence and high expectation. I am always keen to share my knowledge to give others that confidence too.

I'm originally from Ireland and have spent the last two years in Victoria Australia working with a very large sales team before arriving in New Zealand.

I have a keen interest in sports such as rugby, football and squash and love to travel.

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

Miranda Hearn

Media Consultant

I have recently started as a Media Consultant at Academy Publishing.

I am able to work on all of the magazines here, focusing on the business features and although I'm just a 'newbie' I am thoroughly enjoying the chase and challenge of getting some key businesses to feature in our magazines.

The fresh approach Academy has to the work we do here shows through the successful publications and it's a real buzz to be part of it.

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

Nicole Saunders

Media Consultant

I am a media consultant working in the magazine division at Academy Publishing. I am a relatively new kid on the block around here.

I am fortunate to be following a career I am passionate about and that is exemplified by the fabulous team of people I work with.

My job as a media consultant is to endeavour to find interesting feature articles and combine that with relevant support advertising - I see it as a kind of jigsaw - we start with one piece and build on that resulting in a nicely completed picture.

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