BNZ backs basketball with a slam dunk campaign

AUCKLAND, Today: BNZ is celebrating their investment in New Zealand basketball with a new campaign showcasing the impact of their support.

They’ve partnered with 9x NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, former teammate of Steven Adams, to highlight the fierce reputation of New Zealand basketballers. BNZ’s backing is giving the next generation of players a platform to compete at the highest level and dominate on the court.

This campaign reflects BNZ’s wide-reaching support, from grassroots initiatives like the BNZ Kiwi Hoops programme, which aims to get 80,000 kids playing, to partnerships with top teams like the BNZ Breakers and BNZ Northern Kāhu.

As basketball continues to grow as New Zealand’s top youth sport, increased investment is essential to its development, ensuring the sport can positively impact communities nationwide.

“Basketball has power beyond the game. It teaches confidence, leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Our long-term investment in basketball really is an investment in a better future for New Zealand,” says Amy Phillips, BNZ General Manager Marketing & Design.

“Invested in basketball’ isn’t just an exciting creative platform – it’s a commitment from BNZ to go beyond just a logo on a singlet. Their aim is to supercharge the growth of the game.” – Si Vicars

Russell Westbrook was a natural choice for the campaign, sharing BNZ’s belief in the power of basketball. His Why Not? Foundation is also committed to getting more kids involved in the sport.

The campaign’s main spot features Russell showing mock frustration at BNZ’s investment. Alongside it, there are multiple OOH executions and two 15-second ads featuring BNZ Breakers, BNZ Northern Kāhu, and BNZ Kiwi Hoops kids.

“’Invested in basketball’ isn’t just an exciting creative platform – it’s a commitment from BNZ to go beyond just a logo on a singlet. Their aim is to supercharge the growth of the game.

“This partnership won’t just grow confidence and foster leadership skills, it will also grow a generation of ballers ready to dunk on the world,” says Colenso BBDO Chief Creative Officer, Si Vicars.

The integrated campaign launched on Saturday, 28th September across TV, Cinema, OOH, Social, Digital, and internal channels.

CREDITS

Russell 30”
Client: BNZ
Agency: Colenso BBDO
Media: Hearts & Science
Production Company: Good Oil
Director: Adam Gunser
Executive Producer: Andrew McLean
Offline Editor: Dan Kitcher
Online Editor: Stuart Bedford
Colourist: Matic Prusnik
Sound Design: Shane Taipari @ Franklin Rd

Partners 15” and Kiwi Hoops 15”
Client: BNZ
Agency: Colenso BBDO
Media: Hearts & Science
Production Company: Collider
Director: Ray Edwards
Executive Producer: Yolande Dewey
Offline Editor: Julian Currin
Online Editor: Jon Baxter
Colourist: Alana Cotton
Music Composition: Julien Dyne
Sound Design: Shane Taipari @ Franklin Rd
Photographer: Holly Burgess @ Loupe Agency