The Epica Awards 2017 are now officially open for entries, with two new categories and an expanded jury. Covering advertising, design, PR and digital, Paris-based Epica has staked a unique place in the landscape as the only creative awards show judged by journalists.

Dentsu Aegis Network NZ has bought Auckland digital agency Little Giant, and plans to merge it with global digital marketing agency Isobar, to strengthen its presence in the market by scaling the local creative and digital capabilities. 

NZME has created a new digital business unit, bringing together three key executives to organise its digital capabilities under one umbrella to accelerate its digital programmes to grow audiences and revenue.

NZ digital agency Yellow has taken out the Google Premier Partner Award in Australasia in the Growing Businesses Online category, being selected out of 13 shortlisted finalists in its category, including other major key industry players such as NZME.

The 10th annual Battle of the Ad Bands takes place tonight at the Kings Arms Auckland, with comedian Jim Batt running the show.

Time is very near for NZ agencies who want to beat the rush to enter Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 2017 Australia/NZ Agency of the Year Awards. The early (discounted) entry deadline is tomorrow (Friday 1 September).

The Australian ad industry is uniting to oppose ‘hateful’ ads ahead of Australia’s upcoming gay-marriage vote. Say No to No has been launched by Nick Cummins at The Royals agency (Melbourne & Sydney).