AUCKLAND, Today: Australian marketers are feeling upbeat again, with 71% saying they’re optimistic about the year ahead. That’s a 15% jump in confidence, bouncing back from 2024’s dip to 56%.

AUCKLAND, Today: Whittaker’s is going bananas — literally — with the launch of its limited-edition Banana Caramel 250g block, hitting shelves mid-July and wrapped in its signature Creamy Milk chocolate.

AUCKLAND, Today: In a city flooded with pie shops, Mt Albert’s Muzza’s Pies has managed to stand out — with a pastry made just for dogs. And it’s causing a stir worldwide.

AUCKLAND, Today: Movie lovers packed cinemas across the country last weekend, making it the biggest box office result since June last year, according to Val Morgan Cinema.

AUCKLAND, Today: Kiwi cricket fans are in for a treat this July and August with live, free coverage of the BLACKCAPS’ Zimbabwe tour, streaming exclusively on ThreeNow.

AUCKLAND, Today: With most Aussie homes owning up to 12 Bonds pieces, it’s no surprise everyone from your bub to your neighbour is probably wearing something Bonds right now.

AUCKLAND, Today: Cardrona and Treble Cone took over Bondi Beach last week, tempting surfers to swap sand for snow in a one-off Board Swap activation with RealNZ and their new agency, Thinkerbell.

AUCKLAND, Today: Val Morgan Cinema has teamed up with Silky Otter Cinemas, locking in exclusive ad rights across all Silky Otter locations around the country.

AUCKLAND, Today: The Comms Council has unveiled the lineup for this year’s Media Spotlight—a jam-packed morning of bold ideas, big questions and sharp media thinking.