Dentsu Aotearoa triumphs at IAB NZ 2024 awards night

The winners of the IAB New Zealand 2024 Digital Advertising Awards have been announced in Auckland, with organisations across the field recognised for their contributions to the industry.

Dentsu Aotearoa emerged as the big winner of the night, securing the Best in Show Grand Award for their work on the "Ancient Influencers" campaign for Movember. This project also achieved gold awards for Best Use of Social, Best Use of Video, and a silver for Best Charity Campaign. Chief Executive Officer Dentsu Aotearoa, Robert Harvey, stated, "We are honoured to receive Best in Show. Our goal was to make a difference, by harnessing creativity and cultural understanding - Ancient Influencers demonstrates a commitment to men's mental health and highlights the power of digital advertising innovation to spark meaningful conversations. I am super proud of the team and thrilled that our long-term partnership with the Movember Foundation continues to deliver positive impact." Dentsu accumulated a total of five golds and six silvers at the event.

The Media Agency of the Year accolade went to PHD Aotearoa, acknowledging their substantial achievements in digital growth, audience analysis, and advancements in data, measurement, ecommerce, and content.

TVNZ was awarded Gold for Digital Product or Service of the Year for their initiative, TVNZ+ Activate. Jodi O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of TVNZ, expressed, "We are honoured to receive this award in such a competitive category. TVNZ+ Activate provides innovative, world-class data solutions for advertisers, and was built from the ground up to cater to local needs, based on local feedback." TVNZ additionally secured a gold for Best Use of SEO.

Together was highlighted among the night's notable winners, with Managing Partner Kris Hadley receiving the Service to the Industry Award. Together also garnered four gold and seven silver awards.

NZME was recognised as Media Publisher of the Year and received gold awards for Digital Sales Excellence (team), Sales and Ad Operations Excellence (team). Moreover, Ishal Eshna was declared the winner of the Emerging Talent Award.

DDB Group Aotearoa claimed the Creative Agency of the Year Award, noted for their efforts in promoting digital advertising creativity, fostering industry connections, and supporting the upcoming generation of digital creatives.

The IAB New Zealand Council Member of the Year Award was awarded to Travena Addenbrooke, who is Marketing Transformation and Gen AI Lead at Spark NZ and Vice-Chair of the IAB New Zealand Data, Privacy and Measurement Council.

Angelina Farry, CEO of IAB New Zealand, commented on the significance of the Awards, saying, "The Awards serve as an annual celebration of the exceptional work and expertise within the New Zealand digital advertising industry - an industry that thrives on the high calibre of skill, talent, dedication, and creativity recognised last night. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements."