First Response

Cyber security and AI-related crises are no longer a question of if they’ll happen, but when.

Services

First Response

Strategic Communications

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

Māori & Iwi Engagement

PR & Media

Crisis Management

Corporate Communications

Digital Communications

The Wider Communications Toolbox

When a cyber incident hits, how you communicate with customers, stakeholders and communities matters as much as the breach itself – because that’s where trust, reputation and community confidence are won or lost.

While most organisations plan for the technical response to a cyber incident, very few are prepared to deal with the reputational fallout.

First Response is a range of workshops, resources, and expert advice to help businesses and organisations prepare communications plans and templates before an incident occurs, respond appropriately during an event, and recover trust and confidence afterwards.

We are not cybersecurity or IT providers. We focus on what we do best – calm, clear, credible crisis communication when it matters most.

First Response is designed to be:

  • Clear and practical
  • Easy to access
  • Scalable for organisations of different sizes
  • Immediately actionable.

Who It’s For

First Response is for any organisation or business with an IT network, regardless of whether you are small or large, public or private – you need to be prepared well before a cyber incident occurs.

This includes:

  • SMEs and franchisors
  • Health and education providers, including GPs, schools, ECE and more
  • Public and private organisations
  • Councils and community organisations
  • Iwi and Māori entities
  • Service organisations and membership bodies

Our Approach

We focus on what matters most in a cyber or AI incident:

  • Clear decision-making under pressure
  • Protecting trust with your team, customers, stakeholders, and local communities
  • Managing media and public scrutiny
  • Communicating with your team, customers and stakeholders
  • Reducing long-term reputational harm
  • Recovering faster

Our programme is designed to sit alongside your IT team, cyber protection and technical response, helping you to move forward faster.

First Response Options

Awareness & Readiness Workshop (3 Hours)

$300+GST per person

A practical introduction to cyber and AI crisis communications, grounded in real New Zealand case studies. Designed to build awareness, confidence, and a shared understanding of what organisations need in place.

Essentials Toolkit

$1200+GST

A package of clear, practical templates and frameworks for you to tailor to your organisation to support effective communication during a cyber or AI incident.

Tailored Response Toolkit

$2900+GST

An advisory-led customised version of the Essentials Toolkit, tailored to your organisation’s people, risks, and operating environment.

Comprehensive Crisis Strategy

$4600+GST

An end-to-end cyber and AI crisis communications strategy developed specifically for your organisation. Designed to support clear, confident communication before, during, and after an incident.

Policies and processes

$250+GST per policy

Clear policies and internal processes are a critical foundation for preparedness and risk mitigation. We also support organisations to develop or strengthen the frameworks that underpin responsible communication. Current policies available include Social Media Use, AI Use, and Media Spokesperson.

Who We Are

First Response is developed and delivered by The Shine Collective – recognised experts in crisis and issues management. We are an award-winning agency, with more than 25 years of frontline experience and expertise (including at NZ Police) supporting organisations through complex, high-pressure situations.

Our focus is simple:

  • Calm, credible communication
  • Clear strategic advice when it matters most
  • Protecting reputation and trust

Contact: Jacky James, Managing Director, 021 577 871 – jacky@shinecollective.co.nz