Axis 2017 presidents, rule changes

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Ogilvy NZ executive creative officer Regan Grafton has been appointed convenor of judges for the 2017 Axis Awards, to be held in Auckland in March. CAANZ has also today identified the jury presidents that will work alongside Grafton – Michael Redwood, Brigid Alkema, Shane Bradnick, Tony Clewett, and Christy Peacock.

In accepting the convenor’s role, Regan reflected on the importance of local wins. “I recalled the words of my late, great boss: Gordon Clarke – he said: ‘Regan, it’s great winning overseas, but there’s nothing like winning at home’.

“The Axis Awards are a celebration of our industry’s hard-fought work and the ads that have moved, provoked and shaped New Zealand culture. Furthermore, it’s a chance for us to get together celebrate the incredible industry we’ve created. It’s our show.”

Grafton is joined by Special Group ceo Michael Redwood as chair, alongside presidents Brigid Alkema (executive creative director, Clemenger BBDO Wellington), Shane Bradnick (executive creative director, DDB), Tony Clewett (executive creative director, FCB) and Christy Peacock (executive creative director, TBWA Auckland).

The international judges will also join the New Zealand panel and will be announced by CAANZ “in due course”.

Changes, new categories
CAANZ ceo Paul Head said: “2017’s event is about recognising the calibre of work created here in New Zealand, and the evolving industry has seen the addition of two entirely new categories, expansion of several others, and a significant rule change around eligibility.”

Categories have been added for Branded Content (to reflect the continued growth of consumers online) and Media (to recognise creative work enhanced by the creative use of media). There have also been additions under Direct Marketing, Promo/Activation, PR, and Charity.

“For the first time in 2017, to ensure that all the excellent creative work from New Zealand is recognised, even work created and developed here but only run internationally will be eligible for entry,” Head said. Proof will be required that the work originated, was developed and creatively led in New Zealand.

CAANZ is also encouraging collaborators and associates from outside advertising agencies to enter work in Axis 2017 – particularly in the Craft, Design and Branded Content categories – including typographers, photographers, design agencies, commercial businesses, freelancers or production companies.

Paul Head says the changes mean Axis can better recognise and celebrate the best New Zealand has to offer. “It’s the great ideas that have innovated, inspired and engaged. Ideas that have captured attention and become part of popular culture. Ideas that have transformed our clients’ businesses. The best work from our industry … no matter where in the world it ran. But Axis still is, and always will be, about work created locally. So, good luck at your local.”


AXIS AWARDS 2017 – KEY DATES

Entries close: Tuesday 24 January 2017 at 4pm
Late entry deadline closes: Thursday 26 January at 4pm
Finalists announced: Tuesday 21 February
Tickets on sale: Wednesday 22 February
Axis Speaks – The Creative Speaker Event: Thursday 9 March

Awards Show (Viaduct Events Centre): Thursday 16 March

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