1st Dec 2006
Mazda NZ Moves Advertising Account
The Mazda New Zealand advertising account is moving from Blackwood King Adpartners (BKA) to CHE99.
Mazda New Zealand managing director Andrew Clearwater said CHE Melbourne, who has the Mazda Australia account, already
provides a significant amount of marketing material for New Zealand campaigns so it made business sense to develop the
relationship further.
“CHE indicated a willingness to establish CHE99 in New Zealand to service the Mazda New Zealand account. Initial
discussions have since progressed to the point that CHE99 will begin work on the account in March 2007.
“BKA has been a valuable partner to Mazda for the last four and half years and has been instrumental in helping to grow
the business. Market share for our brand has increased around 100% in that time. However, we believe there will be
significant marketing and business benefits, both creative and financial, to having a single trans-Tasman agency.”
James Blackwood, CEO of BKA thanked Mazda for the opportunity of being part of the current Brand success in this market.
“We are very proud of the work that we have done since the launch of the Mazda6 in 2002. That model still remains number
one in its segment. Launches of successive new models have been similarly successful.”
In commenting on the move to CHE99 James said “We accept the reality of the Australasian market as it applies to Mazda
and the business benefits to the company. We wish them well in their new arrangement’’
Neil Livingstone, chief executive Colenso99 (CHE’s sister company in New Zealand) believes the establishment of CHE99 in
Auckland will provide a seamless transaction between the offices that will benefit Mazda and allow both CHE offices to
provide input into campaigns.
“While Mazda is the catalyst for Che99 entering this market it is our intention to actively grow the business.”
Mazda’s relationship with its media buyer Hunter Media and public relations company Donovan Boyd Communications is
unaffected by the change.
ENDS