We believe the best way to build a stronger industry is to start early, by showing young talent what’s actually possible.
This week we presented to first-year communications students. Joined by our wonderful presenters, Daniel Wood @togethernewzealand , Amy Carstairs @saatchinz , and James Tapp (One Plus One Communications), we were able to share the real work, real impact, and real opportunity in advertising.
A huge thank you to Luke Goode, Associate Professor of Communication, @universityofauckland for letting us take over your lecture, it was both engaging and inspiring. We can’t wait to return!
There’s still time to recognise the next generation of media industry leaders. If someone in your team is already making a serious impact within their first five years in the industry, now’s the time to put them forward.
Entries now open until Friday 5 June.
🏆 Emerging Talent – Media Agency
🏆 Emerging Talent – Media Business
The first @firstfiverungsnz talks event for 2026 is here & they're kicking things off with the big one: Artificial Intelligence.
Bringing together two heavy hitters from different corners of the industry:
🎤 Jake Calder - Digital Innovation Leader and AI Strategist
🎤 David Gillard-Allen - Award Winning Creative from denstu Aotearoa
This talk will get under the hood of how AI is changing the way we work - and whether it might even make our jobs a bit easier.
Expect a creative take on AI in ideas, craft and execution; a media take on planning, buying and optimisation; an open Q&A (dumb questions encouraged); plus pizza, drinks and a yarn before and after.
🎟 If your in your first five years be sure to get a ticket, the link is in our bio!
🚨 Last hours to enter! The late deadline for the 2026 Beacon Awards is end of day today. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your media thinking recognised across the industry.
🔗 Link in bio
Entries are open.
Effie Awards Aotearoa recognises work that delivers real results.
If your campaign proved its impact, it’s time to enter.
Entries close 30 July 2026
🚨 Last week to enter! The Late deadline for the 2026 Beacon Awards is 30 April, and it’s your last chance to submit. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your media thinking recognised across the industry.
🔗 Link in bio
Last year’s winners represent the very best in strategic thinking, execution, and results. From smart small-budget ideas to retail impact and long-term success.
Ready to be up there this year? It’s time to enter.
Deadline is fast approaching. Link in bio.
⏰ One week left to enter!
The 23 April deadline for the 2026 Beacon Awards is coming up fast.
If your campaign delivered sharp thinking or standout results, now’s the time to submit and share the work you're proud of.
Link in bio!
Celebrating the teams and businesses setting the benchmark.
Last year’s winners lit up the stage — recognised for the impact they’re making across Aotearoa’s media industry.
Ready to be up there this year?
Enter now via the link in bio.
Designed for those early in their careers, the Emerging Talent: Media Agency and Media Business categories spotlight individuals with less than five years’ experience who are already leaving their mark across clients, agencies, and the broader industry.
If someone comes to mind, now’s the time to nominate them.
Link in bio.
Felipe Thomaz is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Oxford, where he is also Director of Research of the Oxford Future of Marketing Initiative. He is particularly interested in, and known for his work on Media Channels, the Advertising Ecosystem, and Branding.
He has authored policy documents on the decarbonization of advertising with international industry bodies, on progressive advertising with the United Nations, and practical ethics in AI with the International Chamber of Commerce.
Catch Felipe this May at Media Spotlight.
🗓️ May 27
📍Q Theatre
Grab your tickets via the link in our bio 🎟
Some people inspire simply through who they are. They offer kindness when it is needed most, lift others without being asked and bring warmth, patience and steady encouragement into everyday moments.
Nominations for the Beacon Awards Inspiring Individual Award in honour of Sandy Smith are now open and the category is free to enter. This is your chance to recognise someone whose character, generosity and spirit make a real difference.
Link in bio.
