FCB head of studio Simon Pengelly runs one of the largest agency studios in New Zealand. And despite having a schedule with very few gaps, he recently took a few minutes to chat to Creative Store founder Louise Lawton about what his high-pressure role entails.

A piglet named Piggy Sue and a Southern Mail courier driver Keith will replace James Rolleston as the face of Vodafone on Sunday night when the telco launches a new brand campaign developed by FCB.

Kiwi retailer Paper Plus and its agency FCB have enlisted the help of a goofy-looking alien character to bring excitement and imagination into the in-store experience. FCB’s general manager of retail Kamran Kazalbash and head of planning David Thomason talk us through the rebranding journey.

We’ve seen Tweeting sharks and honey badgers, driving dogs, armed dolphins, soothsaying cows, live streamed eagles and even erotic cats. And now we’ve got an octopus photographer—AKA Octographer—after Sony and FCB gave ‘Rambo’ a camera and taught it how to take photos of visitors to Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium.

FCB senior planner Keith Pinney looks at how electronic giants are harvesting our data while keeping one eye on the future in preparation for a time when the ones and zeroes we voluntarily relinquish become incredibly valuable.

A round of applause goes to Anchor, Pak ‘n Save and World Vision this week.

Holden has launched a new campaign via FCB to promote its latest Cruze vehicle, and the spot places most of the emphasis on the always-obedient in-car technology of the new model.

Air New Zealand has launched a new ad campaign to promote its mobile app and, like a combination of the most interesting man in the world and Cadbury’s airport dancer, it aims to show that using the airline’s tech makes flying an absolute breeze.

Spark, nee Telecom’s, Giganaire was a pretty polarising campaign, as most ads involving rapping generally are. And Pak n Save’s comical frontman has riffed on that in his inimitable style for its latest promotion by asking punters if they will become the next ‘Giftcardionaire’.

After a creative pitch last year, it is thought the NZ Fire Service is set to appoint FCB as its creative agency. UPDATE: Ministry of Justice confirms it is also working with FCB.

Last year, NZI and FCB told the tale of a cursed chair wreaking havoc on various businesses in a fictional, aninated town called Port Avon. The primary focus was for the brand to get noticed and, more importantly, liked—and all in one of the dullest, least-engaging categories possible. They succeeded and ‘Devil’s Chair’ became one of New Zealand’s most popular TV commercials. But, as the ad says, bad’s not going anywhere, and the evil has spread to other inanimate workplace objects.

FCB has continued poking fun at beer drinking culture with a series of three satirical videos that showcase the Not Beersies versions of home brewing, pouring that perfect drink and hosting a beer garden.

Plenty of good stuff to choose from this week, so we’re embracing the festive season and giving everyone props.

Unlike the UK, where marketers still seem quite partial to launching a massive festive campaign, New Zealand brands tend to keep things slightly more understated. In the UK, Vodafone got the entire country to sing ‘Let it Go’ from the movie Frozen. But the New Zealand outpost has taken a more lovey dovey approach, with a classic telco ad that focuses on the emotional power of the Christmas connection.