WILHELMINA “WILS” O’KEEFFE

Working closely with brands, businesses and individuals, I use the power of storytelling to secure meaningful media coverage, build influential profiles and create content that genuinely connects. Known for my hands-on approach, I’ve becomes a trusted strategic partner to my clients — blending creativity, sharp news instinct and authentic relationships to ensure their stories are not only heard, but felt.

With more than 16 years of experience across journalism, broadcasting and public relations in New Zealand and Australia, I bring an insider’s understanding of how newsrooms operate and what makes a story land.

Starting my career at TVNZ while completing a Bachelor of Commerce, I worked my way up to a junior reporting role before moving into radio at RadioLIVE. I later returned to television as a reporter for Newshub Live at 6pm and went on to become the main newsreader for Newshub Late. Most recently, I co-hosted the drive show on Today FM and led investigative documentary series Today FM Investigates.

Throughout my journalism career, I’ve covered some of the most significant events in recent history, reporting on the ground during Sydney’s Lindt Café siege, multiple New Zealand general elections, the America’s Cup 2021, the Kawerau siege and the Kaipara Harbour boating tragedy. I’ve also led in-depth investigations into social issues including ex-partner stalking, synthetic cannabis, ram raids, online harm and party drugs in Aotearoa - stories that demanded sensitivity, courage and precision.

An award-winning broadcaster, I was named Best News Journalist and Best Long Form Video at the 2023 NZ Radio Awards, and again won Best Long Form Video in 2024.

Today, I seamlessly integrate my ongoing newsroom experience with my consultancy work — keeping my finger firmly on the pulse of the news agenda and translating that insight into powerful results for my clients.

With a journalist’s instinct, a broadcaster’s polish and a publicist’s strategy, I’ve built a reputation for uncovering compelling angles and turning them into extensive coverage, conversations and momentum.

I’m the founder, director and client lead of Wils & Co Media, a boutique media and communications consultancy I’ve successfully led for the past three years.

Wilhelmina Shrimpton - director of Wils & Co. Media.