Special dominates with triple Agency of the Year wins

SINGAPORE, Today: It was another standout night for Special at the Campaign Asia Agency of the Year awards in Singapore, taking home three prestigious Agency of the Year titles.

Special defended its titles as New Zealand Creative Agency of the Year and Integrated Agency of the Year, while Special PR claimed PR Agency of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Sam Stuchbury, founder and creative director of Motion Sickness, also won Young Business Leader of the Year, with Matt Barnes, Client Partner in Special Wellington, earning a commendation.

Tony Bradbourne, Special’s founder, remarked, “To win Creative Agency of the Year, Integrated Agency of the Year, and PR Agency of the Year for the second year running is a clean sweep any agency leader would be proud of.”

He continued, “Campaign Asia is a prestigious regional award show, which sees our work judged by the best marketing and communication professionals across Asia Pacific – and I’m so proud to see Kiwi creativity continue to be recognised internationally.”

Kelly Grindle, Managing Director of Special PR, added, “This caps off an incredible year, which continues to see Special PR recognised as the most effective PR agency in New Zealand by all major award shows.”

“To win Creative Agency of the Year, Integrated Agency of the Year, and PR Agency of the Year for the second year running is a clean sweep any agency leader would be proud of.” – Tony Bradbourne

“We have continued to add new clients to our portfolio, deliver some show-stopping PR campaigns and improve profitability – but most importantly, we’ve built an enviable team of the best PR practitioners in the country. They work hard every day to make Special a success, and I’m exceptionally proud of the work that they do,” she said.

Campaign Asia’s judging panel, comprised of client marketers from across the Asia Pacific, evaluates agencies on innovation, key work, business performance, client relationships, talent management, and industry contributions.

This year’s highlights for Special included campaigns like Cliché Codes for Uber Eats, a new brand campaign for Contact, and the launch of The Inclusive Code, a tool promoting better disability inclusion in advertising.

Special PR’s standout moments featured the return of the Pizza Hut buffet for its 50th anniversary, the KFC Gravy Train for Super Rugby, and “the restaurant with the most stars” for Tourism New Zealand, spotlighting Kiwi cuisine.

The wins at Campaign Asia continue a stellar streak for Special. Last month, the agency was named Agency of the Year by B&T for the fifth consecutive year, while Special PR maintained its title as Large PR Agency of the Year and remains the most awarded at the Pressies.

Special New Zealand’s award highlights:

• Gold: New Zealand Creative Agency of the Year
• Gold: Integrated Agency of the Year
• Gold: PR Agency of the Year
• Commendation: Matt Barnes, Young Business Leader of the Year