AUCKLAND, Today: Connected Media Group has been appointed by tonies, the world’s largest interactive audio platform for children, to handle media planning and buying across New Zealand and Australia.
As tonies continues expanding across the region, Connected Media’s role covers above-the-line media and online video, focusing on brand awareness and engagement through upper and mid-funnel channels.
The agency will work alongside tonies’ PR, activation and events partner, the Connect Agency, to roll out the next-generation product launch, Toniebox 2 — with more campaigns already in planning for 2026.
Connected Media founder and CEO Laura Hamod Barnes said, “We are excited to be working alongside the Connect Agency and with the tonies team. From our very first conversations, it was clear we shared a commitment to creativity, performance and collaboration.
“We’re excited for tonies to be joining the growing Connected Media portfolio, and look forward to building a lasting partnership that drives strong results and helps more kids experience the joy of storytelling in its purest form.”
“Our partnership is an exciting step forward as we continue to grow the tonies community and inspire imagination through screen-free play.” – Laura Hamod Barnes, Connected Media founder and CEO
Launched in 2016, tonies is an award-winning, screen-free audio player designed to spark imagination and independence in children aged one to nine and beyond. The Toniebox, Tonies figurines and new Tonieplay Games bring stories, songs and play to life through immersive listening experiences.
Tonies senior marketing manager ANZ Lauren Best said, “Connected Media’s strategic approach and deep understanding of the local market are helping us share our story with more families across Australia and New Zealand.
“Our partnership is an exciting step forward as we continue to grow the tonies community and inspire imagination through screen-free play.”
Connect Agency founder and CEO Megan Rose added, “Having Connected Media join the team strengthens our ability to reach parents in meaningful ways, bringing together smart strategy and media expertise to build awareness and connection at scale.”
Recently named a finalist in this year’s Google Excellence Awards, Connected Media is an independent, digitally-led media agency with clients including Sanitarium, Australian Institute of Management, Canon Australia, Skinstitut, SMAI, Luxaflex, Octet and Trend Micro.
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