In an orgy of pointless self-congratulation, Newstalk ZB has issued a media release announcing to the world that preachy morning host Leighton Smith would leave the network – in 12 months’ time!
Little Giant, Linked by Isobar wins Harcourts International business
Auckland-based digital creative agency Little Giant, Linked by Isobar has been awarded business from global real estate company Harcourts International.
AdRoll quietly quits ANZ

Global performance marketing platform AdRoll, which claims to have over 25,000 clients worldwide, went right under the radar as it surreptitiously pulled out of NZ and Australia, and relocated to Dublin.
NZ newcops vid a hit offshore
US-based global creative gallery Adforum is the latest offshore site to cotton on to Ogilvy NZ’s brilliant NZ Police recruitment video Freeze, naming it one of the five best new ads this week.
QMS switches on its digital transaction platform
QMS NZ is launching a digital transaction platform (which it labels “a NZ first for large-format roadside digital”), in conjunction with tech outfit The Rubicon Project and mobile specialists Digital Commons, who will represent the product in the market.
Arrivals & Departures: Facebook runs NZ by remote control
Sydney-based Andrew Hunter has joined Facebook in a newly created Australasian role as news partnerships lead, fronting Facebook’s “increasing collaboration” with Australia and New Zealand’s media networks and help with the local rollout of products specifically designed for the publishing industry.
‘Made in Asia’ entry call

AdFest Thailand has issued its entry call for the longest-running ad awards show in the Asia Pacific region – the 21st AdFestT Lotus Awards.
Arrivals & Departures: Running with Scissors hires creative strategist
Margaret Hawker is set to join downtown Auckland-based indie Running with Scissors as an Auckland-based creative strategist.
Meridian hands media to OMD – but retains BC&F Dentsu for creative

OMD has extended its role with Meridian Energy picking up Meridian’s media account, extending the work undertaken over the past two years by OMD’s Programmatic, Search and Data divisions. The full-service incumbent was BC&F Dentsu – who will continue their role as Meridian’s creative agency. There were no pitches involved.
Shortlisted – JustOne, FCB, Colenso, Chemistry, Track, Affinity, Done By Friday, Skinny

The Marketing Association’s NZ Direct Marketing Awards has unveiled its 2017 shortlist, ahead of the awards dinner ad winners’ announcements at the Cordis Auckland (formerly the Langham) in March next year.





