Insight Creative celebrates ’50 years forward’

Insight Creative turns 50 in 2026, making it one of New Zealand’s longest running design agency.

Established in 1976 by Mike Tisdall, Insight Creative is a strategic creative and communications agency, delivering design expressions for companies and government agencies across Australasia. Operating from offices in Auckland and Wellington, Insight also owns the fast-growing playtesting service, Playful.

With experience comes perspective

Founder Mike Tisdall says: “The tools and channels have changed dramatically, from print to digital, from static to interactive, from single messages to whole ecosystems.

“Insight has adapted through every shift, staying curious about new technology and new ways to reach audiences, while reinforcing the fundamentals: get the thinking right, design with intent and focus on client results.”

Managing director Steven Giannoulis says: “With experience comes perspective. For us, turning 50 isn’t just about reflecting on what we’ve achieved but using the lessons learnt to keep us and our clients moving forward, as the rate of change gets even faster.”

Practical lessons from five decades

Insight will be marking the 50th throughout the year with past and present staff and clients. A key part of the celebration is ’50 years forward’, a series of short articles.

The series shares practical lessons from five decades in business, what has changed, what has stayed true and what it takes to stay relevant through disruption, downturns, new technologies and shifting expectations.

It’s designed for leaders and organisations who care about clarity, trust and work that delivers.

The first ’50 years forward’ articles are live now, with new pieces to follow through the year.