VML

We attended the 2024 Effies in Auckland last night, with just one campaign (Breakfree to Smokefree) a finalist in four categories. We were up against some pretty tough competition but….

We took home 4 Bronze Effies in the following categories:

Social Marketing/Public Service
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Community Engagement
Insights and Strategic Thinking
Positive Change

For the many people who put blood, sweat and tears into this mahi, CONGRATULATIONS.

To reach 8% of the population, we co-created a campaign based on the traditional Sāmoan model, Lalaga. Enfused kaupapa Māori through wānanga. Dug into colonisation, protests, addiction, normalisation, and exploitation. We changed the direction of smokefree campaigns from shaming to mana-enhancing. We had audience voices leading the entire campaign, creating a bespoke research approach to track campaign success. AND we did this all WITHOUT bold world-leading legislation.

Celebrate with us as we mark incredible legacy milestones this year! A huge anniversary shoutout goes to our amazing team members in Aotearoa New Zealand. Deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication to VMLY&R day in and day out. 🙏 ⁠
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Congratulations to Alexandra from our Auckland team on being chosen as a FFR Shadow Judge for the 2023 Effie Awards.

Representing VMLY&R, Alexandra joins a talented collective of people in their first five years of advertising, to be this year’s FFR Shadow Judges. This programme offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the judging of award-winning work, and what goes into creating effective advertising mahi. We couldn’t be prouder of Alexandra, especially as the first ever VMLY&R Shadow Judge!

Brought to you by First Five Rungs(FFR), a leadership initiative from the Communications Council, built by industry representatives from across agencies in their first five years of advertising. FFR act as guiding voices for those also in their first five years of advertising advocating for opportunity and change. Find out more about the FFR Shadow Judges Programme at: https://commscouncil.nz/news/shadow-judges-announced

In honour of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, we enjoyed a range of activities put on by our hoa mahi (workmates). We celebrated the Māori Language Moment together with our karakia before enjoying a hākari of hāngī. Taking time to also have hokinga mahara (sharing our reflections, learnings and ambitions). Followed by a quiz hosted by the amazing duo Aroha and Jayden, challenging the knowledge we’ve learnt on our journey with Eke Panuku.

Kia whakanui te Reo Māori, ā, kia kaha ki te kōrero Māori, kia rere ai te reo. Celebrate the Māori language and have strength and resilience when speaking so that it becomes the norm.

Kia kaha te reo Māori!