Special New Zealand sets new record with unprecedented Global Awards victory

LONDON, Today: Special New Zealand wowed London by defending their ‘Global Creative Agency of the Year’ title. They’re the first agency to win back-to-back titles.

Their big night didn’t end there; they also clinched the ‘Global Creative Agency Leader of the Year’ and ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year’ awards.

These prestigious awards gather the best agencies from the USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, judged by top CMOs and marketers. PwC audits ensure fairness and transparency.

Special’s Founder, Tony Bradbourne, won ‘Global Creative Agency Leader of the Year’ after a stellar 2023, including Cannes Grand Prix wins and navigating a double-dip recession in New Zealand.

“You can’t create anything extraordinary alone. I’m very happy to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Special.” – Tony Bradbourne

“You can’t create anything extraordinary alone. I’m very happy to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Special. You only have a chance at a title like this if you’re surrounded and supported by some pretty special people.” says Tony Bradbourne, Special founder.

In a rare double, Special Auckland’s Lisa Fedyszyn and Jonathan McMahon were named ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year.’ Their impressive year included top awards and leading Special to be ‘Agency Network of the Year’ at the Australian AWARD show.

“It’s a real honour to be named ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year’ by such a well-known and respected publication as Campaign. And to take out this title when up against such brilliant global leaders who have made extraordinary work that we love and admire makes it even more exciting,” said Fedyszyn and McMahon.

“We have been joined at the hip (possibly literally if you look at our photo) for over 21 years now and know and appreciate the benefits of working as a team. Hence why it’s not just about us, but everyone at Special who makes it special every day. And, of course, all our clients who share that same passion and drive to make the best work together, that is creative and effective in equal parts.”

“It’s a real honour to be named ‘Global Creative Leaders of the Year’ by such a well-known and respected publication as Campaign.” – Lisa Fedyszyn and Jonathan McMahon

Special capped off the night with the top award, ‘Global Creative Agency of the Year,’ becoming the first agency to win it two years in a row.

“When we named our agency ‘Special’, it wasn’t just a name; it was a forever challenge. To remind ourselves to always swing the bat. To create work that you could never call average or ordinary. We didn’t name our agency after the founders; we named it after our output and the results that work creates. And tonight in London, we’ve well and truly lived up to the name and that promise.” Says founder Tony Bradbourne.

“So it’s an incredibly proud moment to accept these awards on behalf of everyone waking up on the other side of the world at Special Auckland and Special Wellington. It’s everyone’s hard work every day, and passion for what they do, that keeps making results like this possible.”

“It’s crazy that an agency from New Zealand could be recognised in this way for a fourth time. We’ve got an incredible set of clients that inspire us every day. None of this would be possible without the business challenges they task us with and the belief and trust they show in us. We’re only as good as the results we generate.” He concludes.

Special’s work spans PR, digital, design, media, and standout activations, earning them the title of NZ’s and Asia Pacific’s ‘Most Effective Agency.’