Kia ora,
I'm Penny, the person behind Story Lab New Zealand.
I'm a freelance communications specialist hailing from little old Aotearoa New Zealand, currently living in Bengaluru, India, with my husband, William - an international school teacher.
I've spent most of my career working in the health and charitable sectors, tackling all manner of communications challenges and projects.
Why work with me?
​
Are you a stretched communications manager at a small charity? Or its sole communications resource wearing far too many hats? Do you find yourself treading water and feeling ineffective?
Perhaps you're a researcher or subject matter expert, wanting to get the word out about your work, but with no idea how to start.
​
I can help with that.
​
I've spent plenty of time in lean environments with limited resources, stuck in perpetual reactive mode. I know what it feels like to be spread thin. I'm also a true science nerd at heart. With a love for getting stuck into the details and figuring out how things work, I know how to make complex subject matter shine.
​​
Small charities:
If you're feeling overwhelmed, I can ease some of the pressure by rolling up my sleeves and working alongside you to help you do more than just survive. What this looks like is up you - maybe it's helping to relieve a content backlog, perhaps it's developing a realistic strategy that doesn't sit on a shelf and gather dust.
​​​
Researchers and subject matter experts:
If you're feeling stuck, overburdened or like communications just isn't one of your strengths, I can partner with you to help you ditch the jargon and clarify your messaging. I'll help you connect your work with the people who matter, leaving you to do what you do best.
​
Want to chat?
I'm available for short and long-term freelance projects and love working with progressive values-driven organisations.
​
A comms jack-of-all-trades, I'm skilled in writing for web, eDM and social, media relations, storytelling, speechwriting, content creation, plain language and strategy. I also have a knack for transforming complex information (think clunky health, science and charity jargon) into clear, compelling messaging.​
Testimonials
Penny consistently delivers top-notch work with great attention to detail. Working with Penny is like a breath of fresh air—her creativity and strategic thinking shine through, creating campaigns that truly connect and get results. Her curiosity and passion always bring fresh ideas to the table.
Mary Osanlouy - Campaign Manager
Penny is one of the most exceptional Marketing and Communications specialists I've had the pleasure of working with. Her diligence and attention to detail are unparalleled, consistently delivering high-quality results. What sets Penny apart is her unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking, crafting campaigns that are both impactful and effective. If you want to cut through the noise, and stand out from the crowd reach out to Penny!