As smartphones become more prevalent, QR codes are picking up steam and are now seen more regularly on ads, on products and even on t-shirts at festivals in Poland. Most of the time, the fairly ugly, alien-esque black and white shapes are employed to disseminate information—or offers—but there are some pretty creative options now available (Kiwi company Set QR is leading the way in this regard) and one of the coolest QR executions we’ve seen recently is this print ad for Panasonic that was made by Publicis Mojo Auckland to go on the cover of trade publication Wares Magazine.

An ongoing investigation into a bug found under a plane tree has won New Zealand’s most coveted media prize. Number 8 Wire, an online community news service in Waikato settlement Gordonton, scooped the latest Alcohol Sponsorship Press Award with its breaking stories about the life cycle of a caterpillar.

BCG2 Health appears to be revelling in its niche at the moment after a couple of good wins and it’s toasting to more good health because, after a competitive pitch, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare has shacked up with the agency to launch a digital consumer and trade campaign in the US, a key market for its range of sleep apnoea medical devices.

It began as a cool marketing move by BMW: paying a paltry sum to have the name of its Mini Cooper Roadster associated with the cold snap engulfing Europe. But the car firm will rueing its decision now, after the freezing weather killed more than 130 people and sent over 500 to hospital.

British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s are enjoying a boon of newfound popularity, after a customer service response went terribly right. 

The oft-stated wonder of the online realm for advertisers is the utility it provides and the creative opportunities it affords. And while that utility isn’t often harnessed as effectively as it could be, a campaign to launch Hellers’ new range of burger patties by Christchurch agency Simpatico, which recently rebranded from UMC, shows what can be done with a bit of nifty thinking. 

What message would you give the love of your life, if you had the chance for it to be displayed on a billboard over two metres high, for everyone to see? This year, Westfield is giving everyone, not just out-of-home aficionados, the chance to take part in this ultimate display of public affection. And one winner will also receive a shiny sparkly diamond ring, to the value of $5999 from Michael Hill. Yuss.

Following in the footsteps of Facebook Deals, Groupon Now and other large deal-providers offering location-specific discounts in real-time, GrabOne has launched its version in New Zealand, Instant. And, on the same day, Flossie.com has also relaunched itself as “a quiet-time appointment channel for the hair and beauty industry” in an effort to tap into the burgeoning deal-hunting consumer movement.

Amanda Stevenson

From the Police to marketing then consulting, Amanda Stevenson had multi-career success – a few years ago, she’d done it all, except graduate from university. But now the 51-year-old manager has realised her goal, completing the University of Auckland’s post-graduate diploma in business studies in 2010. She says it’s given her confidence and broadened her thinking.

Last year New Zealanders spent more time than ever watching television. While the average person’s viewing time of three hours and 22 minutes per day remained unchanged from 2010, more people tuned in each day, resulting in growth of total hours viewed up two percent.

The high-quality animation makes this latest Red Bull cinema commercial really stand out. So much so, we’re declaring it this week’s TVC of the week.

Credits: The ad was placed in NZ by Lassoo; but the agency and film company are not known.

Collaborations between musicians and artists have brought us some of the most memorable pop culture images of the last 50 years. Think iconic images such as the Sex Pistols’ God Save The Queen, or The Velvet Underground and Andy Warholʼs famous collaboration. And now Beck’s is hoping for similar success tomorrow when it launches a new series of limited edition labels designed with the help of local talent.

As Brancott Estate rolls out a contemporary new look across its entire wine range, it’s also releasing a new app bringing together the worlds of wine and entertainment via QR code.

Lucky seven, God’s in heaven, one little crutch, a David Beckham, one hockey stick, a slice of heaven. There, 7 ways to say seven, with out mentioning dwarves once. Why? Well seven’s obviously the lucky number for Spark PR & Activate, as they start the New Year with a seventh brand new client, Weight Watchers NZ. The win tops off a hugely successful 2011 for the Auckland-based agency. In recent months, Spark PR & Activate has also been appointed as PR agency for Electrolux Cookware and Laundry, Dermalogica NZ, boutique stationery store Red Letter Day and Mambo apparel.