HAWKE'S BAY, NEW ZEALAND — Sandpiper Communications has launched a New Zealand office, joining the firm's existing footprint across Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Australia.

The New Zealand operation will be led by Ed Brewster, who joined Sandpiper as director of international media earlier this year. Brewster is supported by Sandpiper ESG/sustainability director Julia Walker and chief operating officer Kelly Johnston.

Until 2020, Brewster led corporate affairs, public policy and media for Huawei in the UK, as well as managing international media relations for Huawei Group in London. Prior to Huawei, he was head of global media relations for Prudential.

"As well as being the perfect base for our primary industries offering, we believe our experience can bring significant, tangible value to outward-looking New Zealand organisations across all sectors," said Brewster. "Sandpiper’s established presence across Australia, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia gives us a unique platform to help tell the stories of New Zealand companies to target growth and investment. While brand New Zealand is very strong, significant opportunities for local brands remain untapped, and we want to help close this gap."

The launch comes after Sandpiper acquired China public affairs consultancy North Head, taking the fast-growing firm's headcount to more than $7.5m in fee income, according to PRovoke Media estimates.

Based in Hawke’s Bay, one of the country’s largest food, agriculture and export hubs, Sandpiper's New Zealand team will work as part of Sandpiper’s team of 100 executives across Asia-Pacific.