AUCKLAND, Today: Humour and Connection to Nature are the two lead characteristics demonstrating ‘Kiwiness’ according to new research launched this morning. The Kiwi Codes research, by leading independent research and insights agency TRA, asked a representative sample of over 4000 New Zealanders about their attitudes to themselves, businesses, and brands post-pandemic.

AUCKLAND, Today: The Comms Council has issued the entry call for the Axis Awards 2022. The Axis theme next year is A Kind of Magic. “This is the call to conjure up yours,” says ceo Paul Head.

AUCKLAND, Today: Special – the New Zealand-founded global advertising group with offices in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles – has announced its next office will be a little closer to home.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: In a somewhat fitting end to the year, one AUT Ad School student received a positive result for Covid-19 as she was putting the finishing touches on her portfolio. “And while her symptoms haven’t been pleasant, she is fully vaccinated and has created a book to be proud of,” says tutor Matt Halliday.

BEIJING & NEW YORK: Entries from 14 countries and regions have made the first-round shortlist for the new One Asia Creative Awards 2021, produced by The One Club Asia.

AUCKLAND, Today: Ogilvy NZ has announced its new partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organisation that exists to make wishes come true for children with critical illnesses. There was no incumbent, and no pitch.

LONDON, Today: It’s official – as expected, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity will return next year as a hybrid festival – in Cannes, France, from 20-24 (Monday-Friday) June 2022.