RIP SenateSHJ

The Herald reports:

One of the country’s top corporate communications, public relations and lobbying firms is closing its New Zealand operation.

SenateSHJ will close tomorrow after 21 years of operation in New Zealand, saying trading conditions have become too tough to continue. It says a reduction in public sector consulting and contracting spend has been a factor.

The closure has caused shockwaves through the PR industry – one established player told the Herald it was an “earthquake”; another said it was huge news.

I was stunned when I heard of this. Senate is/was an institution and I have known many of their directors and staff over the years. Their annual function was always a who’s who’s of Wellington.

Thoughts are with the affected staff.