Program Overview

Crisis Communication Skills Program

The Crisis Communication Skills program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively communicate during a crisis and protect their organization's reputation. The program consists of two half-day courses: Issues and Crisis Response and Media Training.

Program Overview

The program aims to teach participants how to create a plan to manage the public side of any crisis or issue, communicate effectively with stakeholders and the media, and develop a crisis management plan as part of their risk management strategy.

Issues and Crisis Response Course

This half-day foundational course will teach participants how to:

• Identify audiences and develop key messages
• Plan for communicating quickly and effectively
• Meet the immediate needs of stakeholders and those impacted by an event
• Develop a crisis management plan
• Integrate crisis communications with operational responses
• Create issues and crisis management plans
• Recognize key stakeholders and how to communicate with them
• Have a plan for looking after the welfare of those impacted by a crisis

The course runs for four hours and focuses on learning the basics of crisis and issues management.

Media Training Course

This half-day course teaches participants how to:

• Develop and deliver key messages effectively
• Be credible in the media
• Develop interview skills needed to be effective in front of the camera
• Understand the makeup of the media in New Zealand
• Research journalists and anticipate questions
• Structure key messages
• Learn the dos and don'ts of working with journalists

The course runs for four hours and teaches the theory of succeeding with the media, followed by interview training in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Course Facilitator

The course facilitator is Steve Addison, an experienced media trainer with a background in journalism, and crisis and issues management. He has managed media issues in professional sport, conservation, and health, and has worked as part of a team to manage health communications following the Christchurch Earthquake.

Program Details

• Duration: 1 day (or half-day)
• Price: $1,050 pp (full-day), $525 pp (Morning OR Afternoon Session)
• Next start date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
• Location: Ilam campus, University of Canterbury
• Course fees include catering and booking fees
• Group Discount: 10% off for 3 - 5 learners