The team trusted to communicate when it counts

First Response is backed by decades of real-world crisis and communications experience. Here’s a little more information about the people and agency behind it.

Our philosophy

Our focus is simple

Calm, credible communication

Clear strategic advice when it matters most

Protecting reputation, trust and confidence

Who we are

Award-winning communicators with frontline experience

We are the Shine Collective, an award-winning strategic communications agency. We tell the stories that matter, to shape the communities we live in.

The Shine Collective brings more than 30 years’ senior communications and frontline experience and expertise (including at NZ Police) supporting organisations through complex, high‑pressure situations.

Where we fit in

The human side of the technical response

When a cyber incident hits, your IT team handles the systems, we handle everything else.

The Shine Collective’s deep experience in high-pressure communications means First Response is purpose-built to sit alongside your technical response, keeping your people, stakeholders and reputation steady while the technical work gets done.

Our team

Meet the minds at First Response, that make it happen

We’re a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities and diverse portfolio of clients, each and every time.

Jacky James

Managing Director

Stephanie Bennett

Senior Communications Consultant

Awhimate Nikora

Communications Consultant