AUCKLAND, Today: New Zealand’s media industry has shattered previous adspend records for the financial year, lifting 19.2% from the prior year to move through the $NZ1.1 billion mark for the first time, according to the latest from Standard Media Index.

AUCKLAND, Yesterday: “Last weekend I was out fishing with some mates when we saved a dolphin,” writes Herald on Sunday columnist Paul Catmur, in the Business section of the Sunday paper.

WELLINGTON, Today: The Digital Café is expanding its offering to become a full media planning and buying agency. Co-founder Antony Young said: “That will see us become the first truly independent media agency in Wellington.

CANNES, Friday: The Lions has selected Colenso BBDO group creative director Kimberley Ragan to sit on the Brand Experience & Activation Lions jury, and FCB executive creative director Leisa Wall for the Creative Commerce Lions jury.

WELLINGTON, Today: “As a reader of M+AD! since starting my own agency, it’s exciting to be reaching out and getting in touch,” writes Ciaran Jack, director at Willis St-based agency Obvious Brand Partners.

NEW YORK, Thursday: Two studios in New Zealand have finalists entries for the ADC 101st Annual Awards, announced today by The One Club for Creativity.