Independent media agencies launch NZ-owned industry body

Last night, 28 New Zealand independent media agencies gathered to launch their own industry body – Independent Media Agencies New Zealand (IMANZ).

More than 100 industry stakeholders gathered at the NZME building and were provided a briefing on IMANZ’s key focuses for the months ahead before enjoying a robust panel discussion chaired by NZ Herald Editor at Large, Shayne Currie, on Innovation and Agility: The Competitive Edge of Independent Media Agencies in New Zealand.

The panel was made up of Matt Headland Managing Director of Stuff Brand Connections, Jodi O’Donnell Commercial Director TVNZ, Carolyn Luey Chief Digital and Publishing Officer at NZME, and Carsten Grueber Country Manager at TikTok NZ.

IMANZ Chair and Co-founder of independent media agency D3, Alex Radford, reiterated in his comments that IMANZ has been established to promote the benefits and value of dealing with New Zealand owned media agencies.

He underscored that IMANZ will give Kiwi-owned and operated independent media agencies the voice and platform they need to demonstrate their world-leading capabilities, coupled with a collective voice on industry issues.

“Independent media agencies represent a significant amount of New Zealand’s advertising expenditure and employ some of New Zealand’s finest media minds.

“Across our membership base, we represent iconic global brands, world-beating Kiwi businesses, and indispensable public organisations.

“In addition, when advertisers choose to work with independent agencies, they’re often choosing to work with experienced and more senior, locally based media strategists and operators with greater commitment to local people and whenua,” he adds.

The launch of IMANZ follows the success of Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA), which was set up in 2019 and has since proven to be a strong, balanced, and equitable advocate for fairer public sector procurement practices.

To be eligible to join IMANZ, media agencies must be New Zealand-owned, have been in business for more than two years or must be in the industry for more than a decade of operation, plan and buy media, and show evidence of respect for New Zealand’s media owners.

Members receive a broad range of benefits including a formalised network of industry leaders, a code of conduct, exclusive networking events, access to media partner webinars, IMANZ certification and more.

The IMANZ founding board includes representatives from some of New Zealand’s leading independent agencies: Kris Hadley, Together; Niven Boyle, The Media Dept; Ruth Perry, Lassoo; Elaine Gibbons, Sneakers Media; and Alex Radford, D3.

At launch, the full list of founding member agencies includes: D3, Sneakers Media, Lassoo, YoungShand, The Media Dept, Together, Hemisphere, Rascal Media, Conductor, Momentum Group NZ, The Media Lab, Contagion, Reason Agency, Stitch, Tilt Advertising, Calibre + Candor, EightyOne Media, Harvey Cameron, Farrimond, J Dee Media, Stanley St, Web Antler, Krunch, MediaStone, King St, Independent Media, Hanton&Co and Overdose.

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