Kate Monahan-Riddell (she/her)

I joined the communications team at Te Pou and Blueprint for Learning in Kirikiriroa in February 2024. My role spans all aspects of communication and marketing, from storytelling and media relations to developing communication strategies, marketing collateral, website and social media content, and helping to produce videos and podcasts.

With over 25 years’ experience in communications, journalism and marketing, I’ve worked in a variety of roles at the University of Waikato, Waka Kotahi NZTA, HMC Communications, and the Waikato Times. When my two children were little, I freelanced as a researcher and writer, producing non-fiction books for clients including Waikato DHB, Child Matters, and the Perry Group. Earlier in my career, I spent time living overseas in the USA (working in market research and magazine publishing) and in Japan (English teaching and radio broadcasting).

I have a Bachelor of Arts (history and media studies) and Postgraduate Diploma(marketing) from the University of Waikato, a Diploma in Journalism from New York University, and an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand. I love writing and I’m passionate about the power of storytelling to connect with people. It’s a privilege to share the voices and mahi of Te Pou and Blueprint in my role.