Our People

Michele Hider

Director

With more than 25 years' experience in public relations and journalism, Michele took the plunge and started Priority Communications in 2013.

Nine years later, she says she is still excited when she sets out for work each day. “It’s a dream job and I love working with such a talented team.”

“We have a fantastic mix of clients with an exciting range of communications challenges. Everyday, we are thinking of the best ways for people to reach their clients, be heard through the media, and communicate better with those that matter to them.”

As well as providing public relations advice to businesses, Michele has worked as a senior advisor to local government and government agencies including the Ministry of Health, Housing New Zealand, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and Christchurch City Council. For four and a half years, she was Communications Manager for the Canterbury District Health Board – the South Island’s largest employer.

Michele has a Master of Management (Communication) with distinction, is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ), and has international accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She is also a member of The Institute of Directors New Zealand.

John Hobbs

Senior Communications Advisor

John is a highly skilled Senior Communications Advisor, who draws on his broad range of expertise working in the local government, community and youth development, and NGO sectors. 

His work includes assisting Priority Communications clients with their strategic communications, creative projects, and community engagement. One of his key skills is translating technical or complex information into readable, accessible content, which he has been enjoying since joining our team in 2017.

John has received several awards for his work and was given a Special Mention in the Sally Logan-Milne Young Practitioner of the Year category at the 2020 PRINZ Awards.

Away from his professional life, John is an avid reader, vinyl collector and carpool karaoke enthusiast.

Meg Rawson

Senior Communications Advisor

Senior Communications Advisor Meg brings a wealth of experience in the local government and sports sectors to the Priority Communications’ team. 

Originally from Australia, Meg completed a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle, majoring in public relations. She then spent time working in the New South Wales Rugby League communications department and also presented the sports news at radio station 2NUR-FM. 

Following her move across the ditch, Meg spent more than five years working as Ashburton District Council’s communications officer. Now based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Meg thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Priority Communications team, working with a broad range of clients and loving the fact that no two days are ever the same.

Megan Gnad

Communications Advisor

After more than a decade of working in the fast-paced, daily news industry, Megan stepped into the world of public relations and joined our team in 2018.  

Throughout her journalism career, Megan worked in a range of reporting roles including stints as a chief reporter and editor for various New Zealand publications. She also spent time writing for lifestyle and music publications including Rolling Stone, Maverick Magazine and NZ Musician. 

Megan particularly enjoys working with our health and medical clients, an interest sparked by her work for the NHS in London, where she previously lived. One of the things she likes most about working at Priority Communications is crafting a captivating story – and helping to share it with our client’s stakeholders, or liaising with the media to spread the word.   

Outside of work, Megan is a keen gardener, park runner, and in recent times has been trying her hand at pottery.  

Tara Voice

Graphic Designer

Highly skilled at creating beautiful, eye-catching artwork for our clients, Tara Voice (Ngāi Tahu/ Ngāti Kahungunu) is a master of good graphic design. 

Passionate about incorporating Māori design into her work, she has a flair for creating cohesive, fresh, contemporary work that guarantees our clients stand out from the crowd. 

After growing up in Blenheim, Tara completed her Bachelor of Design (Communication) at Otago Polytechnic in 2013, before moving to Christchurch.

Her first job as a graphic designer was at a busy printing company, so she has first-hand knowledge of pre-press and print production. Tara has also worked for a wholesale homewares company creating up-to-the-minute designs inspired by global trends, and at a creative agency focusing on health and government contracts. At her last job, she supported St John New Zealand with the development of promotional materials, brochures, and vehicle signage, and worked to support the charity’s annual appeal. 

At Priority Communications, Tara applies her graphic design skills to a wide variety of client projects, and is passionate about weaving Māori design and Te Reo into her work. She is a proud mum to two little boys and also co-owns her own contemporary jewellery business, Mako Design.