Aotearoa’s finest marketing achievements are in the spotlight again as we call for entries to the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards, which celebrate exceptional marketing across strategies, campaigns and individuals.

After a triumphant awards event last year, NZ Marketing magazine and the NZ Marketing Association are thrilled to continue our partnership with YouTube. We are excited to invite marketers nationwide to share how their strategies, innovations and creativity have delivered real results to their businesses and brands.

Now in its 34th year, the Awards celebrate the collective excellence in strategic and creative thinking that goes into award-winning marketing. They recognise exceptional marketing and marketing professionals that shape successful businesses across all aspects of the discipline. They:

• set the standards for marketers and their service industries in a local context.
• provide examples of integrated marketing that have been rigorously judged by an independent panel of some of the country’s most respected marketers and business leaders.
• raise business and organisational awareness — both private and public sector — of the value of marketing, and understanding of the economic importance of marketing excellence.
• demonstrate the tangible (commercial and human) benefits that accrue from marketing excellence.

The YouTube NZ Marketing Awards offer recognition over 34 awards in three key areas:

• Marketing Excellence Awards
• Marketing Campaign Awards and
• Individual Awards.

Marketing Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in specific disciplines across different sectors, demonstrating how effective marketing strategy has led to measurable results for a business or brand.

The Marketing Campaign Awards recognise innovative and agile marketing initiatives that have identified short-term opportunities/challenges and delivered tangible results within 12 months or less.

Individual Awards honour marketing professionals who have contributed to a business or brand's overall marketing success, both in the short and long term.

Key dates to be aware of include:

• Call for entries: Thursday, 13 March
• Entries close: Monday 28 April, 5pm
• Extension deadline: Monday 5 May, 5pm (at an additional $150+GST)
• Judging rounds 1&2: May to July
• Finalists announced: Monday, 23 June
• Awards Night: Wednesday, 3 September at Spark Arena

For further information pertaining to the Awards, including a list of all the categories, the judging process and FAQs, visit the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards website.