Avalon Group NZ ceo/content director Ryf Quail writes exclusively for M+AD: Back in the dark ages, when we confirmed our media buys by fax (a really long time ago) we still used media programmes to plan. We had tools like Media Gardens, TV MAP, RadioScope – all good platforms to build a robust schedule. We got our reach and frequency right and built a balanced schedule to support the media strategy and gave our traders the confidence to go out and weave their magic.

The global ad industry’s largest annual event and awards programme, The Cannes Lions, has agreed to caution jurors not to recognise work that reflects gender bias, according to a report in Ad Age.

The New Zealand Herald – with Auckland-based producers Greenstone TV – debuted their first foray into long-form documentary-making yesterday with Under The Bridge, an immersion into a world most New Zealanders have not experienced. Through the eyes of three students and their principal, the documentary tackles key social issues such as child poverty, housing and education.

“My name is Matt – I work at Clemenger BBDO in Wellington alongside our NZ Transport Agency Client. Nice to eMeet you!

To mark the 30th anniversary of a teenage David Droga, founder and creative chairman of Droga5, winning the Top Student award at AWARD School in 1987, the Australian institution is sending this year’s top student – selected from the winners of all the AWARD schools in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Auckland – to meet David Droga in person.

QMS has switched on The Commuter Network (in partnership with Auckland Transport), a digital network that features 39 fully animated digital sites located across the Auckland transport network – including the Britomart.

The celebrated SXSW festival – which began in Austin, Texas to celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries – is reaching out to NZ and Australia.