The 2026 IAB New Zealand Digital Advertising Awards mark the 10th year of celebrating outstanding digital advertising in Aotearoa.
In 2025, the industry reached $2.97 billion in revenue*, a 12% year-on-year increase, and it now represents 72.1% of total advertising revenue in New Zealand**.
In recognition of this milestone, IAB New Zealand has launched a Hall of Fame – a digital tribute honouring winners of the original Foundation Award and recipients of the Service to the Industry Award. The initiative recognises the people whose vision and contribution have shaped Aotearoa’s digital advertising industry.
An important milestone
The 2026 awards programme also introduces two new categories: Best Content Creation Campaign and Best Use of Sustainability.
The former recognises work driving the growth of the creator economy, while the latter, in partnership with Ad Net Zero, highlights work that reduces the environmental impact of digital advertising.
The Creative Agency of the Year Award also returns, following TVNZ Blacksand’s 2025 win and DDB Group Aotearoa’s 2024 award.
IAB New Zealand says: “Celebrating a decade of the Awards is an important milestone – the digital advertising industry is all about the people, past and present, which is why we’ve created the Hall of Fame.
“We all move at pace, but it’s important to reflect on how far the industry has come. Over the last decade, it has accelerated and it’s not slowing down. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped build the Awards over the last 10 years, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you in November.”
Ten years of backing the industry
Rob Hutchinson, chair of IAB NZ, says: “Ten years ago, we gathered for the first time to celebrate the best of digital advertising, and the industry looked very different then. The tools, channels and the sophistication have all transformed beyond recognition, but the creativity, collaboration and the relentless drive to improve have stayed the same.
“IAB New Zealand exists to champion that talent. To our partners, members and supporters – thank you for 10 years of driving this industry forward.”
The 2026 IAB NZ Digital Advertising Awards Show will take place on Thursday, November 19 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, bringing together 500 industry voices for a night of celebration.
Entries are now open. For full details, visit the IAB New Zealand Digital Advertising Awards website.
2026 sponsors include Blis, Dailymotion, Lumo, Market Media, Meta, MediaWorks, MetService, NZME, Perion, Sky, Stuff, The Trade Desk, Trade Me, TVNZ and Vistar Media.
* CY/Q4 2025 IAB New Zealand Digital Advertising Revenue Report
**ASA New Zealand Advertising Industry Revenue Report 2025
