Clemenger Group New Zealand has formed a new public affairs and communications consultancy, with the merger of two of its specialist consultancies, public affairs and strategic communications firm GRC Partners and public relations and reputation management agency Porter Novelli.

The group said GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will serve clients across a broad range of industries with a single reference point for their public affairs, corporate and financial communications needs, as well as multi-disciplinary special projects.

The merged entity will be led by Managing Partner Mark Watts, with Brad Pogson becoming the firm’s first New Zealand Partner. More than half of the firm’s consultants are shareholders in the Group.

Managing Partner, Mark Watts said: “For our clients, the establishment of GRC Partners + Porter Novelli means one firm for expert advice in public affairs, corporate and financial communications. For our teams, it means greater collaboration and opportunities for development, building on our existing cross-agency partnership.

“I’m now looking forward to leading GRC Partners + Porter Novelli, working closely with Brad and the rest of our unified team, and to showing our current and prospective clients what we can offer.”

Clemenger Group New Zealand CEO, Strahan Wallis said: “Together GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will form a formidable force in government, public and corporate communications. Clients will have access to best-in-class consultancy services from a phenomenal team of experts in Auckland, Wellington and beyond. This is one of the best teams I’ve seen in many years, and I am excited to see what they will deliver together.”

GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will operate offices in Auckland and Wellington, and has a trans-Tasman board, led by Kirsten Mulley, CEO of GRACosway, who also serves as a director of Clemenger Group.