‘Incredibly grateful’: Hilary Ngan Kee sums up Motion Sickness’ year of success

Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of talented professionals from across the local industry to talk about the year that was. From their biggest challenges to their biggest inspiration, their favourite campaigns and favourite snacks, they give us a little insight into 2024 as well as what is to come in 2025.

Hilary Ngan Kee is Head of Strategy at Motion Sickness.

2024 was a year of awards for Motion Sickness, both locally and globally. How did it feel to be recognised so widely on the industry stage?

I’m incredibly grateful. With Sam, Alex and I independently owning and running Motion Sickness, while actively working in our respective roles within the agency, it’s easy to doubt yourself. Are we doing the right thing? Am I any good at this? What does everybody else know that I don’t? Having the support and acknowledgement from people whose opinions I respect and admire helps to quiet that voice. It also makes Mum & Dad proud. They might not know anything about agency land, but at least they know we’re doing alright.  

If Motion Sickness was a drink, what would it be?

Cobb & Co traffic light. A bit odd, but makes me smile. 

What were the biggest changes you saw in agency land in 2024?

The mood. With all of the macro and micro currents that have come to a head in 2024, everyone feels a little on edge. The industry is always going to have its ups and downs, but 2024 felt a bit more like seasonal depression than just a bad day. 

What was your favourite advertising/social/marketing trend for 2024?

Brat summer. 

Top 3 campaigns or projects that you worked on this year?

1. Les Mills ‘Be Imperfect’ brand reset 
2. The next chapter of ‘Fight for your Whakapapa’ for Whānau Ora. This year we tackled childhood immunisations and cancer screenings.
3. New Zealand Herpes Foundation ‘Make New Zealand the Best Place in the World to have Herpes’.

What helped you stay motivated this year?

Our team. They’re talented, driven, and not easily impressed. I love them. 

Did you harness AI in your work in 2024, and if so, what impact has that made?

Not directly. I wouldn’t say AI had a big impact on our work this year, though it can be a shortcut to speeding up the process when it comes to research, or for illustrating early ideas. 

What was the biggest challenge your team faced in 2024, and how did you overcome it?

Our temporary office, which was more real estate agent/corporate lawyer than Motion Sickness. We survived 5 months with our soul left intact, and appreciate our forever home on Maidstone St even more for it. 

Gaze into your crystal ball and tell us where you see the industry going in 2025 – what changes do you foresee? 

Optimism, fresh energy, and more confidence in ourselves as an industry to ride whatever wave comes at us next. I also hope that in 2025 we continue to see global brands recognise the alchemy that’s happening in Aotearoa, and want a piece of it for themselves. 

Quick fire 10

1. Most memorable local campaign?

One NZ, specifically the highland cow. Love it or hate it, it felt like it was everywhere this year. The recent work for Olivani also made me chuckle. 

2. Best international campaign?

Burberry’s Autumn/Winter campaign stayed true to their roots, but felt modern. Sometimes a slower pace is good. 

3. A campaign you wish you worked on?

Bluey x Bunnings collab. Would have been a one way ticket to favourite aunty status. 

4. An event/news story that got too much attention in 2024?

I’m a little sick of the negative news stories about Auckland. Though with the funeral march of some of our greatest news orgs still ringing in our ears, we might be dreaming of ‘too much attention’ in 2025. 

5. Biggest flop of 2024?

The treaty principles bill 

6. The best movie you saw at the cinema?

While I love a large popcorn and choc top, my fave movie wasn’t actually viewed at the cinema. ‘Perfect Days’ is a quiet & beautifully made film that I just keep thinking about. Loved it even more when I heard it was just meant to be a series of shorts documenting the Tokyo Toilet Project. 

7. The best thing about your industry?

The people. I’ve met some lovely ones this year. 

8. How do you relax?

Fresh air and a good book (anything except self-help, I beg of you) 

9. Three things you’d take to a desert island?

   My partner Sam – would definitely increase my odds of survival.
   Our dog Charlie – could possibly decrease my odds of survival.
   A piña colada – we make our own reality. This desert island is going to be a holiday.

10. Your favourite snack?

I can demo a family sized bag of chips in one sitting. Cookie monster style. 

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