VICTORIA, Today: NZ-founded AUNZ agency Special Group continues to put on impressive weight – picking up two lauded senior creatives in their new Melbourne office.

PARIS, Today: NZ agencies could be well advised to keep an alert eye on next year’s Epica Awards – they’re one of the few global outfits (with the notable exception of the D&AD in New York) that pay close attention to work from NZ.

AUCKLAND, Friday: A bold new Heineken ad campaign, launching today, looks to reduce drink driving in New Zealand – and may raise a few eyebrows.

AUCKLAND, Friday: James Mok writes: “Dear Ed: Just to confirm, VMLY&R was not on the Heinz Wattie’s roster and we did not take part in the pitch.

AUCKLAND, Today: Ideological opposites Mike Hosking and Jacinda Ardern put politics aside for their annual Christmas presents swap – a warm affair that spoke volumes about the art of respect for your foe.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: The days of indie radio stations are truly over – every winner in the latest S4 2020 GfK commercial radio survey is a network station – 12 networks in total.

AUCKLAND, Thursday: FCB NZ has been appointed as the creative agency for several Heinz Wattie’s brands after a competitive pitch. The incumbent – for at least part of the portfolio – was thought to be VMLY&R (and before that, Y&R).

AUCKLAND, Today: The Christmas twin-cover issue of MiNDFOOD magazine is setting records for indie Ponsonby publisher McHugh Media – coming in at 195 pages.