AUCKLAND, Today: The Comms Council has issued its official entry call for Effie 2021. The awards will be held in Shed 10 on Queen’s Wharf on Thursday 28 October.

AUCKLAND, Today: MND New Zealand has launched a new campaign via Special Group for Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Day, with the dual objectives of raising consumer awareness and encouraging charitable donations.

CANNES, Today: The Lions has announced shortlists for Health & Wellness (six NZ works through), Media (six), Outdoor (four), and Design (3).

AUCKLAND, Today: A war of words has erupted on Linkedin after Clemenger Group declared $13.7m profit – but announced it would keep its wage subsidy and staff salary sacrifices.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: New Zealand Opera has appointed Federation, effective immediately, as the lead agency in New Zealand for brand, creative, strategy and design. There was no regular incumbent – and there was no pitch.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: Seasoned commercial filmmakers Jess Milne (executive producer), director Tim Parsons and producer/director Craig Henderson have joined forces to launch new production company Joy Inc.

AUCKLAND, Today: Whittaker’s has identified the agencies who will steer the new campaign for Whittaker’s new Peanut Butter & Jelly Block, which kicks off today.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: Phantom Billstickers has selected five previously unpublished poets to showcase their work in Phantom frames near each poet’s home turf.

AUCKLAND, Today: Whittaker’s has introduced two new products – and will promote them initially via street posters. The agencies are likely to be MBM (media & digital) and WPP’s AKQA (creative).