AUCKLAND, Thursday: The Ministry of Social Development has appointed Y&R New Zealand as their agency partner for the next evolution of the Stop Family Violence It’s not OK campaign. There was a pitch (the unsuccessful agencies have not been identified). The account was previously held by FCB.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: NBR is to set up a business journalist trainee scheme, under the tutelage of award-winning business journalist and in-house PR practitioner Jenni McManus.

SYDNEY, Thursday: Audio specialist agency Eardrum has sent its clients an audio Christmas card with a hidden message for creatives.

AUCKLAND, Today: Westhaven-based indie Chemistry has been appointed as Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s creative agency, with immediate effect. There was no pitch – the incumbent agency was YoungShand Auckland.

AUCKLAND, Today: BCF Dentsu have launched Post-Truth Vodka – but although beautifully presented, and designed as well as any premium vodka – nothing is quite what it seems.

AUCKLAND, Today: The Comms Council has initiated its entry call for the 2019 Beacon Awards (in association with NZME). Entry is now open – scroll down for the link.

AUCKLAND, Today: Creative agency Run is working with a University of Auckland academic to develop a novelty stress relief app. Called BadGood, the app aims to provide a fun way for users to let out their everyday frustrations.

AUCKLAND, Today: Digital agency BKA Interactive – working for client Jaguar New Zealand – has created an app that accurately simulates the serve of a tennis pro with a smartphone in place of a racket.