It cost millions more than ratepayers would have liked but local love and rugby marketing have made it Dunedin’s latest pride and joy. The Forsyth Barr stadium seems to be working. For a start it’s been voted in the world’s top 10.

On the eve of its 20th anniversary as a leading NZ indie, Sugar&Partners has unveiled a new division – Social Sugar, an independent social media consultancy and think-tank with foundation clients Hubbards, NZ Rugby, Red Seal, the South Australian Tourism Commission, and new client Xero.

Traditional media on both sides of the Tasman is losing out to digital. Both of Australia’s major publishers now make more of their profits from digital real estate than from newspapers. The days of weekday newspapers are numbered.

Facebook  has announced a new version of Ad Preferences, a set of tools given to people to control their advertising experience, and will also begin showing ads on Facebook desktop for people using ad blockers.

D&AD Impact has issued issuing the final deadline for its inaugural Impact Awards. Businesses, charities and agencies have until August 15 to get their entries in for the new global award show. 

Restaurant Hub has partnered with Eveve software to develop a streamlined booking system for restaurants throughout New Zealand. It directly connects customers to New Zealand’s largest restaurant booking and marketing network, allowing them to make instantly confirmed reservations. 

The woman behind the Challenge Wanaka Triathlon has been named New Zealand’s Events Professional of the Year. Victoria Murray-Orr has headed the Wanaka Triathlon for the past nine years.

August already and businesses have been told to start thinking about their marketing plans for Christmas. The Marketing Association and AdRoll have combined resources for a short Xmas workshop this month in Auckland.