Articles by StopPress Team

Business

Phantom Billstickers brings ASB’s 150-year celebration to life

To celebrate ASB’s 150-year milestone, the bank teamed up with Phantom Billstickers to bring its campaign to life. The outdoor installation features custom-built balloon structures (though not actually containing helium), a hand-painted mural and a giant version of ASB’s iconic elephant mascot, Kashin – the little yellow elephant who’s been helping Kiwi kids save since the 1960s. The brand has transformed its heritage into a public celebration that could be seen, touched and shared. Bringing Kashin back – bigger than ever Kashin has been part of ASB’s story for generations. Originally a small money box gifted to young savers, she’s become a nostalgic touchpoint for thousands of New Zealanders. For this campaign, Phantom Billstickers helped elevate that nostalgia… literally. A huge custom-built Kashin figure now peeks over the hoardings, with shimmering gold “150” balloon structures. To complete the scene, is a hand-painted mural – created by Phantom’s custom shop team. Street-level craft, brand-level impact The campaign merges street media craft with large-scale brand storytelling: Custom-built structures designed for impact and longevity.Hand-painted artwork created by Phantom’s specialist custom shop artists.Integrated poster and mural work ensuring the entire wall feels like one cohesive story – not just an ad, but an experience. “We love projects like this – where imagination meets craftsmanship,” says Tom Horton, marketing manager at Phantom Billstickers. “ASB wanted to celebrate 150 years in a way that felt human and full of heart. By bringing it to life, IRL, we gave people a chance to experience that celebration up close and to see Kashin come to life.”

14 hours ago

Technology

Bunnings’ iconic hoodie gets a makeover for Movember

Bunnings Trade’s hoodie, seen on the backs of Kiwi tradies across Aotearoa, has been given a makeover for Movember. The traditional teal hoodie has been redesigned in charcoal and adorned with the Movember motif. It can be found instore and online from November 7 for $49 with all profits going directly to Movember. “Our limited-edition hoodies are not only a fundraiser, but they’re also a tangible way to show support for men’s health and hopefully spark a conversation with a mate,” says Movember New Zealand country manager Robert Dunne. The two brands have collaborated each Movember for three years, raising $160k through various fundraising efforts, including co-branded merch items, Bunnings team member challenges and customer donations. Hot drinks for good Recent findings from Movember’s The Real Face of Men’s Health 2025 report show that one in three construction workers experienced serious psychological distress in the past month, over twice the national average for men. In New Zealand, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 35, and three in four suicides are male. Dunne says: “Over the past three years, Bunnings’ support is helping to make a real difference in breaking down stigma, particularly in the trade and construction industry, and helping to enable us to work on improving men’s health across communities.” This Movember, Bunnings is going a step further, donating 10 cents from every hot drink sold in their cafes during November to charity. Customers can expect to see their hot drinks served in a Movember branded cup, with a QR code available for customer donations. Rally the team Matt Heinrich, head of Bunnings Trade NZ, says the team is committed to raising awareness around men’s mental health and wellbeing. “Supporting men’s mental health is a priority for us at Bunnings Trade. Joining forces with Movember again allows us to rally our team and local communities to support Kiwi men in a meaningful way. “We are hoping this campaign continues to spark meaningful conversations about men’s mental health.” Free Movember Trade Brekkie’s are being hosted at Bunnings Trade areas across the country on November 7 from 7 to 9am.

Nov 5, 2025

Technology

M+C Saatchi Group appoints Jeremy Hogg as national executive creative director

M+C Saatchi Group ANZ has appointed Jeremy Hogg as national executive creative director. Hogg joins from Howatson+Company, where he spent the past four years leading standout campaigns for brands including Domain, TK Maxx, Qantas, Honda and UNSW. Prior to Howatson+Company, he was creative director at CHEP Network, transforming clients such as Samsung and Genea into highly awarded Australian brands. He has also held senior roles at DDB, Y&R, Marcel Sydney, The Monkeys and Havas Host. The perfect fit “I’m thrilled to be joining Emma, Dani and the team at an exciting time for the agency,” says Hogg. “M+C Saatchi has an amazing legacy of fostering great people, clients and work. I can’t wait to help shape what’s next. It’s going to be fun.” In his new role, Hogg will oversee the agency’s creative vision, working closely with the leadership team to drive creative excellence, collaboration and growth across the network. “Jeremy’s skill and spirit are perfect for helping to steer us through our exciting next,” says Emma Robbins, CCO at M+C Saatchi Group ANZ. “He’s a little bit Lando Norris, a little bit Jessica Watson. We’re very excited he’s here, and about what’s ahead.” Hogg’s work has consistently been recognised for its creativity, effectiveness and craft, winning at major award shows including D&AD, Cannes Lions, Clios, AWARD, Spikes Asia, One Show, LIA, Webbys and Effies. He has also served on the jury at many of these shows, including Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, Young Lions and AWARD.

Nov 5, 2025

Technology

DDB takes Macca’s biggest burger on the road

McDonald’s New Zealand and DDB Group Aotearoa have turned the reveal of Macca’s biggest-ever burger into a tour of the North Island. The campaign shows Macca’s delivering the new big burger on a wide-load truck, where fans can snap it, share it and go in to win a free Big Arch burger. The ‘big burger clam’ is supported by a suite of AV, OOH, digital, social and in-restaurant content, all designed to amplify the energy and scale around the launch. “Adding a new burger to the Macca’s permanent menu is already a big deal, but when you combine that with the fact that it is their biggest burger ever, we know we had to do something big,” says DDB Aotearoa’s executive creative director Rory McKecknie. “Rather than telling people this is our biggest burger, we wanted them to feel it. So we built it, put it on wheels and took it to the people. The idea was all about scale and spectacle – something unmistakably Macca’s, but with a uniquely New Zealand twist.” Social content extends the experience online with short-form video, influencer partnerships and reactive content built around fan interactions from the road. Big ideas, delivered with heart Nikki Jeffcote, McDonald’s New Zealand head of menu, says: “The Big Arch is made for those bigger hunger moments – it’s hearty and delicious. “We’re marking its launch with a campaign that captures what Macca’s does best – big ideas, delivered with heart. Taking the burger on the road gave us a way to connect with communities and celebrate the playful, inclusive spirit that’s at the heart of our brand.” The campaign runs nationwide across TV, OOH, digital, social and earned media throughout October and November.

Nov 5, 2025

Technology

Healtheries and TBWA\NZ’s Human vs Sloth sleep-off sparks conversations

Healtheries and TBWA\New Zealand have turned bedtime into primetime with a new social-first campaign called Sleep vs Sloth. It started with a callout for Kiwis to flaunt their snooze skills for a chance to win a tropical getaway and represent Aotearoa in the world’s first human vs sloth sleep-off. Andy ‘the ultimate sleeper’ Franklet The honour went to Nelson-born lawyer, Andy Franklet, whose sleeping habits earned him the title of New Zealand’s “ultimate sleeper”. Franklet was flown to Costa Rica where he faced off against a sloth in a showdown streamed live on Healtheries’ Instagram. “We wanted to disrupt the category by making sleep the headline, not just something that happens at the end of the day,” says TBWA\New Zealand chief creative officer Shane Bradnick. “Sleep vs Sloth was about proving that a simple, social idea can grab the nation’s attention and get people talking about their own sleep habits – with a healthy dose of Kiwi humour.” Let’s talk about sleep The campaign was a fully integrated, social-led movement that aimed to get the nation talking about sleep health: NZME came on board as a lead media partner, with content spanning The Hits, Flava FM and NZ Herald. Radio host, Ben Boyce led the charge as the campaign ambassador. A mix of Kiwi talent and creators, including Sharyn Casey and DIY duo, The Current Place, used TikTok and Instagram to share bedtime rituals and talk about sleep. Meanwhile, sleep expert Dr. Sumit Samant from the Auckland Sleep Clinic fronted earned media and guest radio segments with practical sleep advice. Out-snoozed the sloth The campaign reached 1.9m Kiwis, delivered over 12 million impressions, and generated additional earned media coverage. The live sleep-off on Instagram became a memorable, shareable moment. “Most Kiwis aren’t getting enough quality sleep, and at Healtheries we wanted to create something that would actually get people to pause, laugh, and think about their own habits,” says Healtheries senior brand manager Alina Varoy. “Sleep vs Sloth was about entertainment first, but it’s been amazing to see how many people have joined the conversation. And yes, we’re stoked Andy out-snoozed the sloth.” The campaign was brought to life with the social and influence expertise of Eleven PR and media support of Spark Foundry. As a result, Healtheries has grown by 44% compared to the same month a year ago.

Nov 5, 2025

Technology

Pead, PHD, The Kindness Collective help bring Christmas magic to thousands of Kiwi families

Pead, PHD and The Kindness Collective are helping to bring Christmas magic to thousands of families across Aotearoa, with a national campaign to promote the return of the Christmas Joy Store. Now in its fifth year, the Joy Store is a social toy store that gives the gift of kindness and the dignity of choice to families in need. It has expanded into a larger space in Auckland’s Ōtāhuhu to meet a surge in demand for support. This campaign also marks Pead and PHD’s continued support of The Kindness Collective. Help Santa visit every child This year, Aotearoa’s first Christmas-focused pop-up social supermarket will run alongside the Joy Store via a partnership with Foodstuffs North Island. Participating families will get to choose from a range of new toys and presents for their tamariki, as well as walk away with a trolley of festive kai and treats for their Christmas celebrations. The creative campaign by Pead encourages Kiwis to help ‘Santa Visit Every Child’. PHD is leading the media strategy and has secured pro-bono media support from 14 media owners across digital, outdoor, TV, radio and print. PHD Aotearoa chief investment officer Helen Brown says: “This campaign is all about turning generosity into action. We want to continue helping The Kindness Collective reach more Kiwis than ever before and inspire ongoing support — whether that’s through donating toys, food, or funds. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the continued contribution from our NZ media partners to support The Kindness Collective and PHD to help deliver a real, lasting impact in the community.” Something special The Joy Store will open from November 26 to December 19, welcoming around 3,000 referred families. Beyond Auckland, The Kindness Collective will deliver Christmas gifts to 10,000 children across 91 towns and 17 regions nationwide. The charity is supported by more than 1,000 volunteers and 289 partner organisations including NZ Police, schools, marae and Mitre 10. Sarah Page, Founder and CEO of The Kindness Collective, says the support from the media industry and the wider business community has been crucial. “We’re so grateful for Pead and PHD’s passion and expertise in helping us bring the Joy Store to life. Their campaign helps spread awareness and build momentum so that every child has something special to unwrap this Christmas.”

Nov 5, 2025