AUCKLAND, Today: The NZ Designers Institute Best Awards have released their finalists, and Special is leading the pack by a decent margin – Special has 23 finalists across 13 categories, ranging from large brand identity through to short form film and product packaging.

AUCKLAND, Today: Paul Head’s last day with the Comms Council is Friday 12 November. “So …” he told M+AD, “… Three months. Until then I’m still firmly in the seat, so it’s BAU until then.

AUCKLAND, Today: Ponsonby indie Pitchblack has launched a campaign for BC (Before Cow) Goat’s Milk. The agency says it liked the product so, they’ve taken a “significant stake in the pioneering business”.

AUCKLAND, Today: VMLY&R ECD Kim Pick is to moderate a Marketing Association live-streaming panel to discuss the link between brand purpose, brand promise, and business decisions.

AUCKLAND, Today: The 2021 Outstanding Radio Creative Awards (Orca) winners have been announced this morning, with FCB winning in both major categories.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: A trio of creative public relations exponents have formed a new agency, PR Partners, featuring the talents of Jon Ramage (managing partner), Mike Hall (partner) and Laura Younger (junior publicist).

WELLINGTON, Wednesday: Iconic Kiwi artist Dick Frizzell, ABs legend Richie McCaw, and Special PR are delivering New Zealand news to the world as part of a multi-market initiative from conservation charity Tusk.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday: NZ-founded TRA (The Research Agency), has opened its first Australian office, appointed Mark Hobart as partner and announced John Shanahan & Rob McLachlan as members of its Australian Advisory Board.

AUCKLAND, Today: BCG2 has won a pitch for the Pasifika Education Centre. At press  ime, the agency account director who sent the release was unable to identify the incumbent.