Guest editorial by Andy Pattinson, managing director ANZ at Seismic Software Sydney: Marketers need an increasingly wide set of skills to stay relevant in the digital era. Marketing automation and data collection / activation are slowly gaining ground on traditional campaigns, and innovations like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented / Virtual Reality or voice activation are finding applications in marketing.

Auckland, April 19: From the bright lights of New York City to a dull office in suburban New Zealand, Lightbox has debuted its own version of the TV phenomenon that is Suits.

Giving away free samples is a tried and tested way of promoting product. If you do it well, you can create a quite a stir on the street. Beverage company Charlie’s discovered this a few years ago, and has now taken the idea to the next level, with Phantom Billstickers.

Clemenger BBDO Wellington CD Emily Beautrais, who judged the latest round of Australia’s Bestadsontv, clearly gets a lot of inspiration from ads made offshore.

TBWA\Auckland today announced its appointment as strategic brand partner for industry-leading travel technology business Serko, to launch the new Zeno product globally.

Springload and Touchtech, two of Wellington’s more innovative and customer-focussed digital agencies, have merged. The merger is a game-changer for the industry and a big win for innovative New Zealand-owned companies, says Springload founder/ceo Bron Thomson.

In a move that is intended to reflect both the continued momentum and direction of the agency, Carat New Zealand has welcomed two senior strategic hires to the business – Chrissy Rajala and Silvia Kusic.

International short film, music-clip & tvc director Luke Shanahan has added Auckland’s Thick as Thieves to its roster for New Zealand representation.