Colenso BBDO/Proximity, is leading the way in the countdown to the 2014 NZDM Awards. In the finalist list, announced by the Marketing Association overnight, the College Hill agency scored 18 places. justONE/.99 are next with 16, then FCB with 10; then .99, the TAB, Chemistry Interaction (eight each), and RAPP (six).

Spark PHD has turned a bad day into a good day for unsuspecting motorists in an engaging parking ticket stunt, as part of its promotion for upcoming Walt Disney Studios film Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

MediaWorks’ radio station More FM has launched a nationwide Drive show, hosted by Jason Gunn and Lana Searle. “Next year, More FM listeners will have the best of both worlds with a focus on local hosts and local content from the early morning through until 3pm, and the best nationwide content between 3pm-midnight,” says More FM network content director Christian Boston.

The Media Design School’s Adschool class of 2014 on Tuesday night heralded the beginning of the Xmas party scene with a joyful end to a year of hard slog, says CD Kate Humphries. “The venue was Tyler Street Garage rooftop bar, and as usual, the very best of NZ’s Executive and Creative Directors were out in force to get a taste of what’s on offer, give feedback, and generally help everyone get over the final line.

Multidisciplinary artist agency International Rescue has launched a new website with an increased roster of photographers, illustrators and animators. “Since launching the agency seven years ago our online presence has become increasingly important”, says agent/executive producer Rob Finn.

bka Interactive’s new Go Team sports-picking app is becoming a hot commodity for businesses looking to engage with customers/staff and potential customers. “Customer engagement is the foundation of good marketing,” says bka client Repco’s NZ marketing manager Emma Cleal. “But with the plethora of sales promotions bombarding trade and retail customers, how can marketers cut through the clutter?

Iconic Kiwi tyre business Beaurepaires has bid farewell to their trusted front man of 30 years, Vince Martin, opting for man’s best friend – a likeable pup named Mate – in a new advertising campaign by DDB.