Big win for Republik

AUCKLAND, Thursday: Fast-growing property developer Templeton Group has clammed up after appointing Republik to lead its brand strategy, creative development and all media planning and placement, effective immediately.

There are – apparently – other incumbent agencies involved, but Templeton founder/ceo Nigel McKenna won’t identify them. He also refused – “out of respect” – to confirm which (if any) agencies were let go during the “consolidation” process.

McKenna will say only that there was not an “official” pitch.

Templeton Group prides itself on “creating distinctive places with Kiwi character where people love to live”.

In a release announcing Republik’s win, Templeton Group head of corporate affairs Chris Simpson said: “Republik’s track record, category knowledge and experience combined with an energy and desire to deliver world class outcomes has our office buzzing.

“Republik’s track record, category knowledge and experience combined with an energy and desire to deliver world class outcomes has our office buzzing.”

“We are working at scale and stepping things up, we needed to consolidate our creative and media requirements. Republik have already identified many opportunities that will enable us to be far more effective.

“There’s a huge brand job to do. It’s going to be a huge few years ahead!”

Republik director Craig Abbott said: “This is a great opportunity for the agency and a big deal for me personally.

“Reconnecting with Nigel has been a breath of fresh air, with his vision to rethink categories lost in old fashioned financial modelling.

“Property marketing and place-led authenticity is what I enjoy, and our crew are excited – we’re looking forward to a long partnership with Nigel, Chris and the team, developing a new depth of thinking that resonates with New Zealanders.”