Authority PR

20/07/2026

🤨 Perfection is too heavy for our kids to carry.

In this new write-up for Eastern Times, our Founding Ambassador Mike King talks about the invisible pressure of perfection and how our kids are picking up more than just our words.

Without even realising it, we’re teaching our rangatahi that they have to get everything right — at school, in sport, with their friends, in their future, in how they look, and in who they’re becoming.

Our kids don’t need more expectations. They need permission to be human. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4gNp0Zy

04/07/2026

Tonga Rugby Union please explain.

Media statement:

The Walk Without Fear Trust has called on Tongan Rugby to clarify whether one of the attackers in the Liufau (Fau) Vake manslaughter case has been given a management role with the national team.

Semisie Pomale pleaded guilty to assault but was granted a discharge without conviction, largely due to the Deputy Team Manager role he claimed he’d been appointed to in April.

Pomale stated that the three-year contract involved traveling with the Tongan national team, and his submissions included an affidavit from Head Coach Tevita Tuʻifua, who indicated that international travel restrictions for Pomale would “significantly impact the team’s performance.”

Walk Without Fear Trust Chairman Eugene Bareman has asked the Tongan Rugby Union to please explain.

“We want to give Tongan Rugby the benefit of the doubt. However, if true, this is absolutely appalling and raises serious questions that need to be addressed.“

We heard yesterday on Tongan talkback station Radio Nukualofa that Aisea Aholelei, the Acting Chief Executive of the Tongan Rugby Union, stated that Pomale has not been employed by the Union.

“However, this has not been confirmed in writing, and we have not received a response to our follow-up communication with the Union.

“We need clarity. Either they supported a man directly involved in the unprovoked street attack that led to an innocent person’s death, or Pomale and the Tongan coach misled the courts. If so, an investigation and appropriate action must follow.

“Legally, if Pomale has misled the courts, the case should be reinstated, and further charges laid. So much for his pleas of remorse and rehabilitation.”

Bareman also maintains his original criticism of the discharge decision.

“It remains a travesty, potentially even more so if someone has manipulated the system so easily. The police prosecutors were ignored, and a man walked free with no consequences for his role in Fau’s death.

“The legal system has been treated as a mockery by individuals with no respect for life or law. Drastic change is needed.”

25/06/2026

🤗

White Ferns captain Melie Kerr opens up about her mental health battle, depression, anxiety and her journey from rock bottom to recovery.

24/06/2026

🤩😂

12/06/2026

Fun chats with the Mai crew 😎

28/05/2026

🔍 Authority PR's latest PRspective blog is out, looking at crisis comms.

We already know a crisis rarely becomes a reputational issue because of one moment. More often, it’s what happens in the hours afterwards — the hesitation, the mixed messaging, the silence, or the lack of preparation behind the scenes.

This piece looks at what organisations consistently get wrong when pressure hits, why leadership communication matters more than ever, and how the speed of social media has fundamentally changed crisis response.

A worthwhile read for anyone responsible for reputation, leadership, or public trust.

Golnaz Bassam Tabar
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The most dangerous moment in any crisis isn't when the story breaks. It's the 48 hours before your organisation decides how to respond.

26/04/2026

I AM HOPE | Gumboot Friday | Mike King

Have you noticed how quickly disagreement turns personal now?

Mike’s latest piece is a reminder that we don’t all have to think the same — but we do have to listen better. Not to score points. Just to understand where someone’s coming from.

It’s not as hard as we make it.
Read Mike’s column here: https://bit.ly/4eat9oW

Under 25 and need someone to talk to? Book a FREE counsellor at gumbootfriday.org.nz — no GP referral needed.

20/04/2026

🤓 Authority PR’s latest PRspective article is out.

A considered look at how reputation is being formed in 2026 — from the role of internal culture and leadership communication, through to how AI is now shaping what stakeholders see and believe.

It also touches on why content volume is losing ground to focused intentionality, and where communications is starting to influence real business decisions.

A useful read if you’re thinking about how your organisation is actually being understood, not just how it’s being presented.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/3OzZb3k

11/04/2026

I AM HOPE