Nothing beats winning at your local: 2017 Axis Awards call for entries; closes Tuesday Jan 24
It’s time to get a seat at the bar with the locals and raise a glass to the best of creative excellence in New Zealand as entries open for the Axis Awards – the country’s most important and prestigious creative awards programme. Deadline for entries is 4pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2017.
In accepting the role of Convener of Judges for 2017, Regan Grafton, executive creative officer of Ogilvy New Zealand, reflected on the importance of local wins.
Says Grafton: “I recalled the words of my late, great boss: Gordon Clarke. He said: ‘Regan, it’s great winning overseas, but there’s nothing like winning at home.’ The Axis Awards are a celebration of our industry’s hard-fought work and the ads that have moved, provoked and shaped New Zealand culture. Furthermore, it’s a chance for us to get together celebrate the incredible industry we’ve created. It’s our show.”
Grafton is joined by Special Group CEO Michael Redwood as chair, alongside presidents Brigid Alkema, ECD, Clemenger BBDO Wellington; Shane Bradnick, ECD, DDB; Tony Clewett, ECD, FCB and Christy Peacock, ECD, TBWA Auckland.
The International judges will also join the New Zealand panel and will be announced in due course.
2017’s event is about recognising the caliber of work created here in New Zealand, and the evolving industry has seen the addition of two entirely new categories, expansion of several others, and a significant rule change around eligibility.
Categories have been added for ‘Branded Content’ (to reflect the continued growth of consumers online) and ‘Media’ (to recognise creative work enhanced by the creative use of media). There have also been additions under Direct Marketing, Promo/Activation, PR, and Charity.
For the first time in 2017, to ensure that all the excellent creative work from New Zealand is recognised, even work created and developed here but only run internationally will be eligible for entry. (Proof will be required that the work originated, was developed and creatively led in New Zealand.)
CAANZ is also encouraging collaborators and associates from outside advertising agencies to enter work in Axis 2017 – particularly in the Craft, Design and Branded Content categories – including typographers, photographers, design agencies, commercial businesses, freelancers or production companies.
Paul Head, CEO, CAANZ says the changes mean Axis can better recognise and celebrate the best New Zealand has to offer.
Says Head: “It’s the great ideas that have innovated, inspired and engaged. Ideas that have captured attention and become part of popular culture. Ideas that have transformed our clients’ businesses. The best work from our industry……no matter where in the world it ran. But Axis still is, and always will be, about work created locally. So, good luck at your local.”
Entries are now open for Axis 2017. Full entry details, categories and information can be found in the Call for Entries document on the CAANZ website at caanz.co.nz.
Click here for categories and rules.
Axis Awards 2017 – key dates:
Entries close: Tuesday 24th January 2017 at 4pm
Late entry deadline closes: Thursday 26th January 2017 at 4pm
Finalists announced: Tuesday 21st February 2017
Tickets on sale: Wednesday 22nd February 2017
Axis Speaks – The Creative Speaker Event: Thursday 9th March 2017
Awards Show (Viaduct Events Centre): Thursday 16th March 2017
2 Comments
Good on them for heroing the local awards. I reckon we all need to concentrate on a higher overall standard of work in our market, rather than shooting for one piece a year that wins 400 awards worldwide. Sure those pieces lead the way, but it would be good if the chasing pack gained some ground.
nice work Regan. you have always stood for local work being properly awarded and judged here.