The Wintec graduate building a career promoting New Zealand’s biggest stars
No two days are the same for Morgan Ellis, whose career involves promoting some of New Zealand’s biggest stars and most exciting events.
The Wintec alumna has worked with household names including Six60, Below Deck’s Aesha Scott, and Laneway Festival in her role as lead publicist for Auckland-based public relations (PR) agency 818.
Supporting Six60 with the roll-out of the band’s latest album, Right Here Right Now, was “definitely a pinch me moment,” said Morgan.
Having grown up as a dancer, the 25-year-old always had an appreciation for the arts, but it wasn’t until undertaking her communication degree that she realised she could build a career in entertainment without taking the stage.
In 2021, Morgan began her Wintec learning journey, transferring to the polytechnic in her second year of study after deciding that university wasn’t the right fit for her.
“I found that for what I was interested in, and my style of learning, a hands-on environment like Wintec was better suited. It provided me with flexibility and freedom to explore,” said Morgan.
“Wintec provided guest speakers that worked across the entertainment industry, the opportunity to start our own creative ventures like podcasts or online blogs, and were overall extremely supportive when I began seeking out opportunities such as remote overseas internships or part-time jobs in the field I was interested in.”
The mix of real-world industry experiences, practical learning, and strong support from her tutors helped Morgan realise a career as an entertainment publicist was the path she wanted to pursue.
Morgan’s advice to others is simple: “Wintec is a special place, utilise the freedom you’re given, talk to the kaimahi [staff] that have experience in the pathways you want to follow, and never be afraid to follow your own path.”
Headshot of 818's lead publicist, Morgan Ellis
Abby Dalgety, Morgan’s former tutor, highlighted the role Wintec’s creative programmes play in equipping students with the skills and confidence to carve out successful careers.
“I love how our creative degrees allow for our ākonga [students] to pursue their passions and interests, but also be grounded in what industry is looking for.
“I’m so proud of all our graduates and the wonderful careers they have post-Wintec,” said Abby.
One of Morgan’s recent projects brought her back to Hamilton, where she was involved with publicising the opening of Hamilton’s new BNZ Theatre.
“I got to collaborate with a lot of people I worked and studied with in Hamilton. It was a real full circle moment, and the theatre is such an asset to Kirikiriroa.”