Clemenger BBDO and Oranga Tamariki take home Purple + Gold at Best Awards for Trails of Taonga

Clemenger BBDO Wellington and Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children have taken home the Purple Pin in the Ngā Aho category at the Best Awards, for Trails of Taonga.

Ngā Aho is awarded to design that reflects a clear understanding of who we are, by responding to our indigenous culture, heritage and sense of place. It also recognises the collaborative practice of co-design between designers and clients and between cultures.

Says Brigid Alkema, executive creative director, Clemenger BBDO Wellington: “We’re so grateful for this award. It’s validation of what has been a profoundly inclusive, collaborative and meaningful project for all who touched it. Carvers, sculptors, storytellers, and communities have all rallied around the important task of lifting our precious tamariki up, and long may this goodwill continue.”

Says James Whitaker from Oranga Tamariki: “The goodwill shown in Trails of Taonga is infectious. Young people have told us that even small things, like being asked if they’re OK can have a huge impact on their life. It’s vital for New Zealanders to know that their acts of kindness can lead to really positive outcomes.”

The judges said:”He tamaiti tu, he tamaiti ora,” A child lifted up, is a child who will flourish.

This was not just a design collaboration, it was a wide community collaboration asking everyone to step forward and help a child in need. The resultant series of exquisite taonga created by carvers and sculptors to recognise those who step forward and help, are leaving a trail of aroha through the many hands and hearts they touch.”

Trails of Taonga is another example of Clemenger’s ongoing approach of working collaboratively to create ideas that stick and shift culture.

Client: Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children