Freedom NZ, World of Wearable Art, Nutrimetics, Kathmandu, Harvey Norman and Countdown big winners at 25th Annual ACA Awards in Melbourne

Freedom New Zealand, World of Wearable Art, Nutrimetrics, Kathmandu, Harvey Norman and Countdown made history as being the first brands to be crowned in the recently added New Zealand categories on Friday night at the 25th Annual ACA Awards hosted at Crown Palladium in Melbourne, Australia.

The Awards have a long history recognising expertise and excellence in catalogue and letterbox marketing, and with over 722 retailers, creatives, agencies and producers in the same room there was a great deal of excitement amongst the guests.

Referred to in the industry as the ‘Catalogies’, guests celebrated one of New Zealand’s most effective and resilient media channels – catalogues. Former designer and funny-guy Dave Thornton, master of ceremonies, kept the crowd entertained throughout the 47 award categories which included, for the first time six New Zealand specific categories.

Says Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer, ACA: “With the ACA having successfully launched in New Zealand earlier this year, we were very excited to then launch six New Zealand categories to the Awards. New Zealand creatives and retailers have built a strong reputation for their innovation and creativity when developing retail communications and it has been demonstrated tonight and through all the submissions received.”

Kathmandu took up the Award for ‘Recreation and Leisure’ over stiff competition from finalists – Macpac, Torpedo 7 and Freedom New Zealand.

Nicola Horan, creative director, Kathmandu, said on the night: “We are honoured to be recognised for our work this year. This catalogue was all about communicating the lifestyle and personality of Kathmandu and I’m so glad that our team’s dedication and efforts were highlighted for doing just that.”

The ‘Retailer’ Award went to Countdown for its ‘Countdown Week 38 Easter Mailer’ produced by Countdown New Zealand.

Jamie Hodgetts, senior brand manager – advertising and promotions, Countdown New Zealand: “We are thrilled to have claimed the ‘Retailer’ Award this year. The other finalists were all very deserving and it’s great to see just how much talent there is in the industry right now.”

Ruth Cobb, general manager Print NZ, collected the ‘Fashion’ Award on behalf of World of Wearable Art.

Says Cobb: “Congratulations to World of Wearable Art, Hothouse and Spectrum Print. Their work on the exhibition catalogue is a fantastic representation of how catalogues bring a brand to life through stunning imagery and stories. Well done to everyone involved.”

The other Awards went to Freedom New Zealand, in the ‘Home’ Category for its ‘Winter Collection 2016’ produced by J&C ‘We Know Retail’; to Nutrimetics in the ‘Cosmetics and Pharmacy’ Category for ‘Christmas 2015 Brochure’ produced by Nutrimetics In-House; and to Harvey Norman New Zealand taking out the ‘B2C’ Award with ‘Lenovo’ produced by GP Advertising.