AUCKLAND, Today: Chinese digital marketing agency United Media Solution NZ has become an official sponsor of New Zealand China Trade Association, which sponsors business between the two countries.

AUCKLAND, Last night: Parnell-based design tech studio Rush has been recognised at the Good Design Awards in Sydney for their work with Starship Children’s Hospital.

WELLINGTON, Today: The Public Relations Institute of NZ will hold its 2019 conference – fetchingly titled Changing Mindsets – in the Capital on Thursday-Friday 25-26 July.

AUCKLAND, Today: In a unique collaboration with Triple M Australia, which ran a similar initiative, Radio Hauraki will be observing a ‘No Talk Day’ on Friday 9 August, in association with Movember.

WELLINGTON, Today: NZ media giant Stuff is moving to promote its sustainability credentials more aggressively – launching ads headed: THIS NEWSPAPER IS PURE RUBBISH!

AUCKLAND, Thursday: Indie creative shop YoungShand has partnered with Spotify to launch a new campaign for Smirnoff Pure, that aims to update Kiwis on their favourite local music.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: DDB Australia/New Zealand has promoted NZ chief creative officer Damon Stapleton to the new role of regional chief creative officer Australia/New Zealand. He will remain based in Auckland.

AUCKLAND, Today: The 2019 TVNZ-NZ Marketing Awards finalists have been announced. The Awards will be held on Thursday 12 September 2019 at Cordis, Auckland. Tickets are now available.

AUCKLAND, Today: Infratil’s plan to buy up to 50% of Vodafone NZ has been cleared by the Commerce Commission – news that will be met with satisfaction at DDB.

AUCKLAND, Today: Marketing & digital insights analysts, customer experience specialists, content editors and communications executives are four of the “hotspot” skills sought by the 49% of employers who plan to increase permanent staff levels in NZ over the next 12 months, according to recruiting experts Hays.