Big AU award for NZ-founded global network

AUCKLAND, Today: Special NZ has been named the most innovative media or marketing company in Australia & New Zealand by the Australian Financial Review.

NZ commentators Mike Hutcheson and James Hurman point to a “wider trend in world-leading creativity and innovation” that provided the platform for Special’s success.

AFR named the 100 most innovative companies in Australia and New Zealand, with Special named in the media and marketing category.

The agency was also recognised for Meddle in the NZ Election (in the Best Marketing Innovation category).

Hurman & Hutcheon point to a golden period of New Zealand advertising, creativity and innovation.

Hurman (Previously Unavailable) says Special is leading the way in internationalising Kiwi creativity and innovation.

“The standard of New Zealand advertising creativity has always been high, and we’re becoming equally accomplished in taking innovation to the world stage.

“In a smaller world, where we are more connected than ever by technology, New Zealand talent has been able to take a leading role on global projects.”

“What I love about Special isn’t just the innovative nature of their work, but their ambition in exporting their brand and way of thinking all over the world.

“This recognition by the Australian Financial Review is testament to their unique journey as a Kiwi-born, globally focused innovator.”

Hutcheson (now an adjunct professor at AUT) believes that the New Zealand advertising and marketing industry has truly matured.

“This award is the result of New Zealand building a pipeline of creative talent – we have a strong and robust creative economy, sustained creative demand in businesses as far-flung as agriculture to music, and well-developed educational programmes to ensure that ‘creativity’ and ‘innovation’ have the rigour required to compete on the world stage.

“In a smaller world, where we are more connected than ever by technology, New Zealand talent has been able to take a leading role on global projects.

“Special is the best demonstration of that – a New Zealand-founded advertising network which now has six offices all over the world from Los Angeles to London.”

Special co-founder/ceoTony Bradbourne said: “I am immensely proud of our team being named on the AFR list.

It’s a major achievement for Special to be recognised by leading behavioural scientists.”

The awards ceremony took place in Sydney yesterday.

• mostinnovative.com.au