AUCKLAND, Today: Škoda, often regarded as the European car market’s best kept secret, has appointed Mango Communications Aotearoa to help tell its story to more New Zealanders.

AUCKLAND, Tuesday: Grey Lynn-based independent Smart Media have fired us a fired-up release to promote its services. Managing partner Mike Wilson said: ”We are transforming the industry with an innovative approach to transparency and client-centric practices.

AUCKLAND/SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, Today: Research and insights agency TRA has announced a brand refresh, centred around the proposition The Art of Knowing People.

ZURICH, Today: The World Out of Home Organization has expanded its Global Out of Home Media Spend Index to include first party data from 81 territories, accounting for 95% of the world’s GDP.

AUCKLAND, Monday: Concrete Playground and Scroll Media are to partner up “to put renewed emphasis on the New Zealand market”. Scroll will exclusively represent the award-winning culture & city guide in the New Zealand market, working alongside a new editorial lead.

AUCKLAND, Monday: The Comms Council has released category details for the NZ 2023 Public Relations Awards (the Pressies) – but dates have yet to be finalised.

AUCKLAND, Monday: The Comms Council advises that the 2024 Axis Student Challenge has officially commenced, “sparking enthusiasm among tertiary students across Aotearoa”.

AUCKLAND, Today: Respected (and highly awarded) creative Tony Clewett is to join specialist retail and shopper communications agency Raydar as head of creative.

AUCKLAND, Today: On Wednesday 6 September, AUT will host the AI + Communication Symposium to share research and foster discussion. Participation – in person or online – is free.

AUCKLAND, Friday: Air Vanuatu, the national carrier for Vanuatu, has appointed GTI AU as its PR agency and Redfire NZ as its brand strategy/creative/media agencies.