AUCKLAND, Today: Finalists for the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards 2025 have been revealed, with NZ Marketing magazine and the Marketing Association announcing the big list after a record number of entries this year.
Marketers from all over the country submitted their best work across 32 categories. Now, they’ll find out if they’re moving forward in New Zealand’s top marketing awards programme.
Celebrating its 34th year, the Awards shine a spotlight on standout marketing – from clever campaigns and solid strategy to the people behind it all. It’s the only programme in NZ focused solely on marketing impact.
Round one of judging is done, with 77 brands making the finalist cut across Marketing Excellence, Campaign and Individual Awards. A few names popped up repeatedly – including Spark, ZURU, DB Breweries, and The New Zealand Herpes Foundation.
Finalist shoutouts also go to ANZ, 2degrees, Goodman Fielder and Restaurant Brands – all scoring five or more nods from the judging panel.
The Awards break down into three areas:
- Marketing Excellence Awards
- Marketing Campaign Awards
- Individual Awards
You can view the full list of finalists here.
“The entries are a great example of New Zealand marketers at their brilliant best.” – Penny Murray
“Huge congratulations to all the finalists. The bar gets higher every year and making it as a finalist is a feat in itself. After last year’s amazing event, I can’t wait for Awards Night in September when we’ll celebrate the brilliant work being done across the industry,” says Penny Murray, Editor of NZ Marketing magazine.
“The entries are a great example of New Zealand marketers at their brilliant best. The standard this year is seriously impressive – smart strategy, strong execution and marketing that makes a commercial difference,” says John Miles, CEO of the Marketing Association.
Michael Friedberg, CEO of FluxB2B and Convenor of Judges, is overseeing the process. “The record number of entries this year is more than just a signal of industry pride, it’s a sign that marketing is being recognised as a real driver of business growth in New Zealand.
“NZ marketers are naturally competitive, but what impressed me most was how our judging panels – comprising senior marketers and business leaders – came together to tease out the details, challenge assumptions and align on what truly makes a finalist.
“No egos. Just smart, rigorous mahi. As CEO and Co-Founder of Flux B2B, I see every day how great marketing moves business forward and these finalists are living proof,” he says.
A second round of judging is coming soon. Winners will be revealed at the big night on Wednesday 3 September at Spark Arena, Auckland.
Tickets are now on sale – and they usually go fast. Don’t miss out. Book yours here.
All info, including tickets, finalist lists, judging details and FAQs can be found on the NZ Marketing website here.
The 2025 Awards are brought to you by naming sponsor YouTube, alongside MediaWorks, NZME, Mortal, TRA, Salesforce, Vistar Media and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The show is produced by NZ Marketing and the Marketing Association – a long-time partner and proud champion of the industry.
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