Who’s it for: Meridian by Barnes, Catmur & Friends Dentsu
Why we like it: We like how this spot, filmed in Grey Lynn café Kokako, draws attention to the endangered kākāpō in a funny way with Jeremy Wells helping Gulliver the kākāpō find himself a ‘chick’ (these beautiful birds have notoriously laboursome and oft-unsuccessful mating rituals) through an online dating app. It’s nice to see Meridian aligning itself with a cause, helping save New Zealand native birds from extinction.
Who’s it for: High Performance New Zealand by Augusto
Why we like it: In the same series as this spot with Eliza McCartney, High Performance New Zealand has captured Hamish Bond’s training ritual. High Performance New Zealand has done a good job of detailing the early mornings, intensive training schedules, commitment and self-sacrifice Olympic athletes must endure to get to the games and make their attempt at being the best in the world at their chosen sport.
Who’s it for: Powerade by David and Exit Films
Why we like it: We enjoyed the filmic qualities of this ad and how Powerade is calling Olympians “heroes of their kingdom”, harkening back to brave knights trying to be the most powerful to prove their country’s greatness. The spot was shot in Auckland on the North Shore and features young athletes Tori Peeters, Josh Hawkins and Ella Pilkington.
Who’s it for: Countdown by Ogilvy & Mather
Why we like it: This spot has major cute factor, with young Liam revealing his wish of following in the footsteps of his father and becoming a police officer. We like how the animation helps visualise Liam’s dream and that Countdown is doing something to help sick children like Liam recover and hopefully improving their chances of reaching their ambitions.
