NZ Marketing magazine and the Marketing Association are thrilled to unveil the finalists for the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards 2026.
Once again, we’ve had a record number of entries to the Awards, which celebrate strategy, campaigns and individuals across the marketing spectrum in Aotearoa. Now in its 35th year, this is the only awards programme in New Zealand to focus on the essential business disciplines and benefits of great marketing.
The call for entries went out in March, asking marketers to showcase their best work across more than 30 categories. The submissions flew in.
The first round of judging is now complete. A total of 96 brands are finalists across the Marketing Excellence, Campaign and Individual Awards.
Several entrants received multiple nods from the judges, led by Auckland Transport with 15 and 2degrees with 11. Meanwhile Spark New Zealand earned eight, with seven apiece for Greyhounds as Pets, Trade Me, Whittaker’s and Zuru Group. There were six each for Goodman Fielder and Lion New Zealand.
Congrats to the finalists
NZ Marketing editor Penny Murray says: “The competition becomes more intense every year, with record entries again in 2026. Congratulations to everyone who has been announced as a finalist today.
“The Awards were set up 35 years ago to recognise the important role marketing strategy plays in building successful brands. Today that’s as crucial as ever.”
John Miles, CEO of the Marketing Association, says: “The quality of work among today’s finalists is seriously impressive. It shows what great marketing can do – drive growth, deliver real commercial results and make a genuine difference to a business.
“Thank you to everyone who entered, and to our 140-plus judges, who had the incredibly tough job of narrowing such a strong field down to the final few.”
Awards night is on Wednesday, September 2 at Spark Arena. It’s set to be an unmissable evening. Book now and take your place among Aotearoa’s best marketers. Buy tickets here.
