Heather ClaycombDirector - MBA, APR, FPRINZ
Clever communication that sparks change
HMC clients seek our services because they desire change. We help create that change through strategic PR, clever communication, and digital campaigns that get results.
We can help you get noticed with high-impact media coverage, engaging social media content, a digital marketing campaign, or some good, old-fashioned relationship building.
But equally as important, we help you gain the respect of the people who matter most: your staff, customers, industry peers, and your community. Over time we help you use strategic public relations and communications to build your reputation, secure close relationships and achieve bottom-line results.
We’re a public relations agency at our core, which makes us uniquely different to marketing or advertising agencies. Reputation and relationships are always at the heart of all our services.
Choose HMC as your trusted partner to tackle your big and small communications challenges. If your values match ours, let's talk.
Our people
Award-winning agency:
Member of PR Institute of NZ; we abide by industry Code of Ethics
4-time PRINZ Award category winner
Director Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
Registered as a training provider with the Management Capability Development Voucher Fund
Team skillset spans full gamut of public relations & marketing communications
Track record of award-winning work, nationally and internationally
FAQ
1. What does HMC do as a PR agency in Hamilton and across New Zealand?
HMC is a full-service public relations and communications agency based in Hamilton and working with clients throughout the Waikato and across New Zealand. We help organisations tell their stories, build strong relationships, protect their reputations, and communicate clearly - internally, externally, and online. Our team delivers everything from strategic PR and media relations to digital marketing, social media, issues and crisis management, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Why choose an award-winning, PRINZ-recognised public relations agency like HMC?
We’ve been named PRINZ Small Consultancy of the Year in 2023, 2021, and 2018, along with multiple category wins across our 21-year history. This recognition reflects our commitment to high standards, strong results, ethical practice, and the depth of expertise across our team. When you partner with HMC, you get senior-level communications support backed by national awards and peer recognition.
3. Does HMC work with clients outside of Hamilton and the Waikato?
Yes. Although we are proudly based in Hamilton, we work with organisations of all sizes across New Zealand. Many of our clients operate nationally or internationally, and we’re experienced in running campaigns, media relations, and digital communications that reach audiences throughout the country.
4. What industries does HMC support with PR and communications?
Our clients span a wide range of sectors, including agriculture and food production, professional services, education, engineering, technology, health, community organisations, government, and infrastructure. We’re known for quickly understanding specialised industries and translating complex information into clear, compelling communication.
5. How can HMC help my organisation get media coverage in New Zealand?
Media relations is one of our core strengths. We help you uncover your most compelling angles, shape them into clear and newsworthy stories, and pitch them to the right journalists and outlets. Because we understand how newsrooms work and what makes a story genuinely worth covering, your message is more likely to be heard, understood, and published in the right context.
6. What strategic communications services does HMC offer?
We develop communication strategies that help organisations achieve long-term goals. This may include brand positioning, narrative development, stakeholder engagement, internal communication, thought leadership, reputation building, and ongoing advisory support. We act as a strategic partner to guide your communications at both an operational and board level.
7. Does HMC provide digital marketing and social media support?
Yes. Our team manages social media content, digital campaigns, analytics, advertising, copywriting, and online engagement. We specialise in blending digital marketing with traditional PR to maximise your online presence and build your brand reputation across all channels.
8. How does HMC help organisations manage issues or a communications crisis?
When something goes wrong - or might go wrong - we help you respond clearly, quickly, and confidently. Our team provides crisis planning, risk assessment, media response, stakeholder communication, and support before, during, and after a crisis. We help you protect your reputation and maintain trust with the people who matter most.
9. What makes HMC different from marketing or advertising agencies?
Public relations is at the heart of everything we do. Where marketing and advertising focus on selling, PR focuses on credibility, reputation, and relationships. That difference shapes every recommendation we make. We look at the bigger picture: your long-term reputation, internal culture, stakeholder expectations, and your impact on the community.
10. Can HMC act as an outsourced PR or communications team?
Absolutely. Many clients partner with us as their ongoing, outsourced communications team. We can manage media relations, content creation, digital channels, strategic advisory, and day-to-day communications so your internal team can focus on core business operations.
11. Who is on the HMC team and what qualifications do your consultants have?
Our team is made up of experienced PR and communications professionals with backgrounds in journalism, marketing, corporate communications, digital media, and stakeholder engagement. Our Director is Accredited in Public Relations (APR), and the agency is a long-standing member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ), meaning we adhere to strict ethical standards.
12. How does HMC ensure ethical, trustworthy PR and communications practice?
We follow the PRINZ Code of Ethics, which guides our work in truthfulness, transparency, confidentiality, and professional integrity. Clients trust us because we give honest advice, act in their best interests, and communicate in ways that protect and enhance their reputation, never at the expense of accuracy or ethics.
13. How does HMC structure its billing for PR and communications services?
We provide clear, upfront pricing based on your needs. Most clients choose a to monthly budget for ongoing support. Every proposal outlines exactly what’s included, so there are no surprises. We value transparency and will always help you choose the most cost-effective structure for your goals.
14. Does HMC offer internships, graduate roles, or job opportunities in PR or communications?
We may occasionally offer internships or entry-level opportunities depending on client demand and upcoming projects. When we recruit, we look for people with strong writing skills, curiosity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for communications. Any current job openings are advertised on our website, LinkedIn and Seek.
15. Can HMC train my team in media interviews or crisis communication?
Yes. We offer tailored media training to help leaders and spokespeople perform confidently in interviews, along with crisis communication workshops that prepare your organisation for high-pressure or high-risk situations. Our training is practical, scenario-based, and built on decades of experience.
16. How does HMC measure the success of PR and digital communications campaigns?
We use a mix of qualitative and quantitative measures including media coverage analysis, engagement metrics, sentiment tracking, audience reach, website analytics, digital performance, and stakeholder feedback. We also track progress against your strategic communication goals so you can clearly see the long-term impact of your investment.
17. How does HMC use AI in public relations and communications work?
We use artificial intelligence as a helpful tool, never as a replacement for human expertise. AI assists with research, insights, drafting, analysis, and content optimisation, which allows us to work more efficiently. However, every strategy, message, and piece of content is developed and reviewed by experienced PR professionals. We also follow PRINZ guidance to ensure AI is used ethically, transparently, and responsibly.
