Motion Sickness opens new HQ with creative flair

AUCKLAND, Today: Motion Sickness has quickly risen in the creative and advertising world, securing lead accounts like Kathmandu Global, Les Mills, Whānau Ora, and Ora Supplements (US), and winning over 100 awards in 18 months.

Sam Stuchbury reflects on the journey: “We went from a flat in Dunedin to this dream space. It’s more than a building—it embodies what we’ve built and what we can continue to do.

“Within these walls, I hope some of the most iconic ideas of our time are born, and the careers of those who pass through the doors are made. It’s our special place in the sun.”

The agency celebrated its new HQ with a karakia led by Ngāti Whātua ki Ōrakei, joined by leaders from Te Whānau o Waipareira, Whānau Ora, and Te Whare Runanga.

“As we grow, we honour the whakapapa, whenua, and whānau that shape us. We remain committed to keeping Te Ao Māori at the heart of what we do,” said Kātene Durie-Doherty, Kaitaunaki Māori at Motion Sickness.

Motion Sickness’ new space on Maidstone Street is designed for a growing team, with open-plan work pods, meeting rooms, production areas, and social spaces for more creative collaboration.

The building was designed in collaboration with Wonder Group. Creative Director Buster Caldwell explains, “Creating unique microcosms for lounging, collaboration, and creativity.

“As an agency, we would never have suited a bland space; we wanted a place with character that reflects our creativity.” – Sam Stuchbury

“The old is layered against the new, with key pieces specially designed bespoke for Motion Sickness. Effortless yet character-full, the space most importantly reflects the fluid and unconventional nature of Motion Sickness’ incredible work.”

Sam Stuchbury adds, “We wanted a breath of fresh air with a slightly vintage aesthetic. Our north star was 70s Los Angeles in the sun—hints of pink glass and blue textures, but with enough clear space to give you room to think.

“As an agency, we would never have suited a bland space; we wanted a place with character that reflects our creativity. A place where you can write a retail headline with your face in the sun and your feet on some powder blue carpet. Pretty much a work-home that makes you not want to work-from-home.”

One highlight is the master boardroom, featuring powder-blue carpet, a custom steel table, and pink-tinted glass—perfectly capturing the agency’s spirit.

Buster Caldwell adds, “The Motion Sickness HQ needed to do more than just house a team — it had to capture their spirit. Motion Sickness is an agency for the new generation, by the new generation, allowing us to approach things differently than your typical workspace.

“We transformed the ‘gallery-white’ building with a playful yet polished style: brushed aluminium, rose-tinted glass, powder-blue carpet, and recycled strand board coexist in a space that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, blending the irony of the golden era of the 70s workspace with the forward-thinking mindset of a fast-growing agency.”

Motion Sickness also added a storefront window to feature up-and-coming artists monthly. For details, email thewindow@motionsickness.co.nz.

The doors are now open, and clients, friends, and newcomers are invited to drop in for coffee and biscuits.

• For more info, visit: instagram.com/motionsicknessstudio