Reputation Matters

Based in Havelock North, New Zealand, Reputation Matters is a strategic communications consultancy that has been helping organisations protect and enhance their reputation since 2010. The agency focuses on the intersection of public relations, communications, and stakeholder management, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to address the full spectrum of reputation challenges, from proactive relationship building to crisis recovery. Their work is grounded in the belief that a strong reputation is a tangible business asset, and they bring a methodical, research-driven approach to every engagement.

Specialist Expertise in Reputation Management and Recovery

Reputation Matters distinguishes itself through its deep expertise in reputation recovery and public confidence rebuilding. The agency is particularly skilled at handling high-profile issues that threaten an organisation's standing with key audiences. This includes managing crises that involve government scrutiny, community opposition, or environmental concerns. Their approach is built on a foundation of stakeholder analysis and public perception analysis, allowing them to identify the root causes of reputation damage and develop targeted strategies to restore trust. The team at Reputation Matters is adept at navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments, making them a valuable partner for organisations facing significant public affairs challenges or needing to rebuild credibility after a major incident.

How They Apply Their Approach

The agency applies its expertise through a structured process that begins with a thorough reputation audit and stakeholder auditing. This diagnostic phase helps them understand the current state of an organisation's reputation, identify key influencers, and assess potential vulnerabilities. From there, Reputation Matters develops customised communication strategies that may include media relations, government advocacy, community support campaigns, or internal communication programs. They are known for their work in behavior change programs, where they use strategic communication to shift public or stakeholder attitudes and actions. The agency also offers media coaching and mentoring for in-house communications teams, ensuring that their clients have the skills and confidence to manage ongoing reputation risks. Their work often spans both proactive reputation building and reactive crisis management, making them a versatile partner for long-term engagements.

Services Offered

Reputation Matters provides a wide range of services tailored to the needs of organisations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Based on their expertise and focus areas, typical services include:

• Communications and public affairs strategy
• Internal and external communications planning
• Stakeholder audits and relationship management
• Issues and risk management
• Media training and coaching
• Government relations and public advocacy
• Community investment and social responsibility strategies
• Reputation risk management and crisis communication
• Public perception analysis and reputation audits
• IPO communication support
• Behavior change and social marketing programs

These services are delivered with a focus on measurable outcomes, such as improved stakeholder relationships, enhanced public confidence, or successful navigation of high-profile issues. The agency's work is particularly relevant for organisations that operate in sensitive industries or face regular public scrutiny.

Who They Work With

Reputation Matters is a good fit for a diverse range of clients, including corporations, start-ups, not-for-profits, and public sector organisations. Their expertise in government relations and public affairs makes them especially valuable for entities that interact with regulatory bodies or local communities. They are also well-suited for organisations going through significant changes, such as an IPO, a merger, or a reputation crisis. Based in Havelock North, New Zealand, the agency serves clients across the country and beyond, offering a local perspective with a global understanding of reputation management. Their focus on relationship building and strategic communication makes them an ideal partner for any organisation that values its reputation as a key driver of growth and sustainability.