Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) communications co-ordinator Alasdair Johnston (26), of Dunedin, won the Sally Logan-Milne Young Practitioner Award at the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (Prinz) Awards in Christchurch on Thursday.
Prinz chief executive Simone Bell said the award recognised an outstanding young public relations practitioner.
Mr Johnston's essay told a compelling story about his career development and judges were impressed with the strength of his objective setting and the outcomes achieved, she said.
Mr Johnston said his essay entry detailed how OUSA needed more engagement with students, the public and the media when he began working there in 2011.
''By being honest and talking a bit more, it is working.''
At the awards he was ''up against'' finalists that included McDonald's Family Restaurant.
There were fewer public relations companies in Dunedin than in the other main centres in New Zealand, he said.
''So it's really nice to get a look in and show that Dunedin is actually pretty awesome.''
