New technology has become something of a two-edged sword in the hands of New Zealand viewers and listeners. A recent survey shows consumers are becoming skilled at using technology to avoid advertising in new forms of media.

LONDON: Global adspend has increased from $362bn in 2004 to $512.9bn in 2013, a rise of 41.7 percent over the past decade, according to long-term analysis published by Warc.

Spark has partnered with Facebook and Twitter to launch Socialiser – giving customers 1GB of free data to access both mobile apps every month, for the life of their plan.

CAANZ tonight presents two international case studies of recent successful campaigns that demonstrate how the convergence of Social Media and Brand Experiences (Experiential/Activation) can drive exceptional campaign results. This event is the second in the CAANZ PREScom Champion Speaker Series.

D&AD is refreshing its awards offering with two newly designed Pencils for its 2015 In Book and Nomination awards. The new Wood and Graphite Pencils have emerged from an awards-wide revamp, and are aimed at bringing better clarity and coherence to the existing levels.

Former Acumen Republic ceo Karyn Arkell has unveiled her own Auckland-based PR agency, Grace. She has appointed six staff, including director Kirsten Blanchard (ex TALK Comms, Cisco, Acumen Republic, Hewlett Packard, and NZ Post).

The chief executive of ZenithOptimedia Australia has publicly congratulated rival media agency MEC on wrestling Nestlé from its grasp in an attempt to end the “vicious cycle” of bitterness which he said usually accompanies such business losses.

The Auckland division of brand design company Gibson Rusden has gone into liquidation. Six staff are believed to be affected.

Cricket fans with a penchant for caravans and quirky observation rejoice – The Alternative Commentary Collective’s cricket commentary returns to iHeartRadio NZ when New Zealand takes on South Africa at Mt Maunganui on Tuesday.

Software and technology company Broadcast MAP have completed the nationwide rollout of their new Schedule Optimiser and are giving their subscribers the chance to win an iPhone 6 every time they use it to make a buy between now and November 30.