MBM, Lassoo, Stuff and Sky took out top awards at the Comms Council’s 2025 Beacon Awards. James Davidson is the Inspiring Individual for 2025.
The Beacon Awards celebrate outstanding media thinking and execution in Aotearoa. The big winners for 2025 are:
- MBM won Best in Show for ‘Certified Toast Perfection’ with Goodman Fielder
- Lassoo Media & PR was named Media Agency of the Year
- Stuff Group took out Media Business of the Year
- and Sky nabbed Sales Team of the Year.
Media Business of the Year honours proven success across financial performance, industry reputation and audience growth and engagement.
The judges praise Stuff’s move into growing video audiences and revenue through investment into technology, talent and training. That boldness and positivity underpinned Stuff’s winning entry, they say.
“(Stuff made) moves that benefitted not just their own business but also the wider media ecosystem in Aotearoa. This business took risks… and in doing so demonstrated undeniable positivity and forward momentum.”
Winner in strategy and delivery
Stuff owner and publisher Sinead Boucher says: “I am so proud of all of our teams as they have seized opportunities, created value for our partners and continued to grow the largest digital and print audiences in the country,” she says.
“Media is such a dynamic business. Being acknowledged for both our strategy and delivery is a real testament to our people who are committed to driving Stuff forward.”
Commercial director Jaana Collins adds: “A huge thank you to all of the agencies, brands and customers we work with every day for their support of independent New Zealand journalism, to the Communications Council for their leadership and to the other finalists NZME, TVNZ, Sky and Are Media who are all great local competitors in a fast-changing industry.”
A testament to the team
Sky‘s spokeperon says winning Sales Team of the Year is a testament to the hard work, innovation and passion of their sales team.
“We’re so grateful to work with such a talented and driven group of people. We’re equally honoured to play a part in shaping the future of media in New Zealand.
“A huge thank you to the judges for this recognition, the Comms Council for hosting such an amazing event and to our incredible partners and clients.
“Thank you for your trust and collaboration in delivering outstanding results. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, we were in great company! Your work continues to raise the bar across the industry.”
