Community Comms Collective

The Community Comms Collective, based in Wellington, New Zealand, is a registered charity and volunteer-run non-profit that provides free communications expertise to community organizations. Founded in 2013, it operates through a unique matchmaking model that connects experienced communications professionals with non-profits, civic groups, and social organizations that lack the resources for paid PR support. The collective focuses on public relations and communications services, with a strong emphasis on supporting the community sector across New Zealand.

Specialized Services for Non-Profits and Community Groups

The Community Comms Collective offers a range of services tailored specifically to the needs of non-profit and community organizations. These include communications strategy and planning, media relations, content marketing, writing and editing, and stakeholder engagement. The collective also provides practical support such as media outreach, media campaign development, and media training. For organizations looking to enhance their digital presence, services extend to social media management, web usability improvements, and profile raising. Internal communications and reputation management are also key areas of expertise, helping groups maintain clear messaging and build trust with their audiences.

The collective’s service offerings are delivered through a flexible model that includes one-on-one matchmaking with volunteer communications professionals, group workshops, and advisory support. Volunteers bring skills from across the PR and communications landscape, including media engagement strategies, media contact list management, and campaign execution. This approach ensures that even the smallest community organizations in Wellington and beyond can access professional-level communications support without cost.

How the Community Comms Collective Works

The methodology of the Community Comms Collective is built around a collaborative, volunteer-driven model. Community organizations apply for support, and the collective matches them with a suitable volunteer communications professional based on the specific needs of the project. This could range from developing a communications strategy for a fundraising campaign to creating a media contact list or providing media training for staff. The collective also runs workshops to build skills within the community sector, covering topics like media engagement, content marketing, and social media best practices.

In addition to direct project support, the Community Comms Collective offers ongoing advisory services and resources to help organizations become more self-sufficient. Volunteers contribute their time and expertise, often working remotely or in person in Wellington, to ensure that non-profits can communicate effectively. The collective is focused on scaling its operations to meet rising demand, managing a growing volunteer base, and increasing its impact across New Zealand’s non-profit sector.

Key services provided by the Community Comms Collective include:

• Communications strategy and planning
• Media relations and media outreach
• Content marketing, writing, and editing
• Social media management and profile raising
• Stakeholder engagement and internal communications
• Media training and workshops
• Reputation management and media engagement strategies
• Web usability and digital communications support
• Volunteer matchmaking and advisory support

Location and Community Focus

Based in Wellington, New Zealand, the Community Comms Collective primarily serves community organizations and non-profits throughout the country. While its headquarters are in Wellington, the collective’s volunteer network extends across New Zealand, allowing it to support groups in both urban and regional areas. The organization’s deep roots in the community sector mean it understands the unique challenges faced by non-profits, including limited budgets, small teams, and the need for clear, impactful communications. By providing free expertise, the collective helps these organizations amplify their messages, engage stakeholders, and navigate the media landscape effectively.

The Community Comms Collective is an ideal fit for non-profit organizations, community groups, and civic and social organizations based in New Zealand that need professional communications support but lack the budget to hire a PR agency. It is particularly valuable for groups in Wellington and surrounding regions looking for assistance with media campaigns, strategic planning, or building internal communications capacity. The collective’s volunteer-driven model also appeals to communications professionals seeking meaningful pro bono opportunities to support the community sector.