Independent Media Agencies NZ has held its end of year Connect Event, hosting 180 independent media agency members and partners at MediaWorks’ Auckland-based facility.
The network event on December 3 celebrated growth stories, a positive ‘boom-time’ outlook for independent agencies in 2026 and the launch of the IMANZ HEROES Awards – which stands for Honouring Exceptional Representation and Outstanding Engagement Success.
Going the extra mile
This awards series showcases media owner representatives who go the extra mile for indie agencies and their clients or simply make the industry a brighter place with their energy and personality.
IMANZ CEO Simon Teagle says: “Media owners have never had a platform to be recognised for their contribution, as judged by their agency clients. IMANZ members will now annually nominate individuals deserving of ten categories, including some light-hearted ones.”
The winners
The winners as nominated via survey by over 250 IMANZ members included:
- Reliable as a Rock Award – The person you can always count on: Chris Carew from MediaWorks
- Makes the Complex Simple Award – Simplifies the tricky and clarifies the unclear: Jack Manning from Vistar
- Energiser Bunny Award – Brings energy and positivity to every meeting: Maggie Campbell from NZME
- Smooth Operator Award – Handles every challenge with calm and class: Philippa Spence from MediaWorks
- Dripping with Style Award – Impeccably presented and dressed: Courtney Shorter from JCDecaux
- Client Whisperer Award – Just gets what you need, every time: Maggie Campbell from NZME
- Quiet Achiever Award – Gets stuffdone with very little fuss: Sunny Singh from TVNZ
- Comic Relief Award – Always makes meetings and outings fun: Dae Chun from Go Media
- Rumpelstiltskin Award –Spins briefs into gold – consistently brings creative thinking: Lisa Howard from MediaWorks
- Gives 110% Award – Goes above and beyond to achieve satisfaction. Monique Pierce from Sky TV
IMANZ congratulates all the winners, and we look forward to taking the HEROES Awards to new heights next year.
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