QUICK UPDATE: It’s been a tough personal week for me, as my stepbrother sadly passed away, and it’s taken time to process.
Contented secures $4.1m to scale globally
AUCKLAND, Today: Fresh capital is fuelling Contented’s next chapter, with the Christchurch AI startup closing a $4.1 million seed round to scale its conversation-to-insight platform globally.
Arrivals & Departures: Havas appoints Olly Taylor as Group Chief Strategy Officer
AUCKLAND, Today: Havas ANZ is doubling down on integration, expanding Olly Taylor’s remit and appointing him Chief Strategy Officer for the Group, leading strategy across both creative and media agencies under the Village model.
When AI becomes your first impression
AUCKLLAND, Today: Brands are now being judged by what AI says about them, and Pead wants to help businesses shape that narrative. The communications agency has launched a new service focused on influencing AI-generated answers.
TBWA\New Zealand turns recovery into a celebration of movement
AUCKLAND, Today: TBWA\New Zealand has rolled out the Feel Good Project for Southern Cross, a joint initiative between Southern Cross Health Society and Southern Cross Healthcare, spotlighting real Kiwi health stories and the joy that comes with feeling good again.
Meadow Fresh turns dairy into fantasy sport with real cows
AUCKLAND, Today: Kiwi dairy just entered the fantasy sports arena with Meadow Fresh Fantasy Herd, believed to be the world’s first fantasy league powered by real cows.
Salomon opens new chapter with innovation-led platform
AUCKLAND, Today: SALOMON is rolling out its latest global brand push, Shaping New Futures, positioning innovation as the cultural engine driving how the brand shapes sport, influences style, and builds a modern mountain sport mindset.
The Marketing Club expands opportunity with Art of the Possible
AUCKLAND, Today: Senior marketers across Australasia are getting a new pathway to meaningful work, with The Marketing Club partnering with Art of the Possible, a fractional consultancy operating across New Zealand and Australia.
Fitness First takes workouts into everyday spaces
SYDNEY, Today: Fitness First Australia has launched its first major brand campaign since appointing Leo Australia, rolling out ‘Let’s Put Fitness First’ to encourage more everyday movement nationwide.
Retail giants dominate Australia’s ad spend rankings
SYDNEY, Today: Nielsen’s 2025 ad spend snapshot puts Harvey Norman at the top of Australia’s advertiser rankings, with retail and big consumer brands again filling most Top 20 spots as competition for attention ramped up across a fast-changing media landscape.
