Commission Announces Advertising Agency Account

1 June 2004

New Zealand Lotteries Commission Announces Advertising Agency Account

New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZLC) Chief Executive Trevor Hall today announced the result of a formal review of the management of its advertising account.

"We're pleased to have advised Lowe Worldwide and Spark Media that they have secured the New Zealand Lotteries account," said Mr Hall.

The advertising review process involved the brand and media strategy work for NZLC's biggest brands, Lotto and Instant Kiwi.

"In January 2004, nine agencies were invited to make 45-minute credential presentations. This field was narrowed to the three agencies - DDB, Lowe and the incumbent, Saatchi and Saatchi - which have gone through a full strategic pitch process culminating in today's announcement," said Mr Hall.

"We have chosen Lowe based on the quality of work presented throughout the pitch process. We believe that they will be a good fit with our business and will successfully work with us to grow our Lotto and Instant Kiwi brands through effective marketing across the full range of consumer touch points," said Mr Hall.

Stephen Pearson, Chief Executive, Lowe said: "The team at Lowe are euphoric about the New Zealand Lotteries win. It gives us an opportunity to make a real difference to both the Lotto and Instant Kiwi brands.

"We showed New Zealand Lotteries we truly understood both their brands and shed new light on them. This was the most important discussion we had in our path to winning this account."

"Media strategy and planning work for the account has been awarded to Spark who pitched for this side of the business in conjunction with Lowe," said Mr Hall.

Louise Bond, spark partner and director on the New Zealand Lotteries account said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working on such an interesting as well as prestigious account. We're very excited about the role media can play in growing the business."

Mr Hall said he would like to pay tribute to Saatchi and Saatchi for their contribution to the business since it was formed 17 years ago. "There has been some iconic work produced for us by the agency over the years and we have valued their input into our business."

"I'd also like to pay tribute to DDB who were the other short-listed agency. They made a huge commitment to the process and we really appreciate their time and effort."

"This pitch process has been a long one as you would expect for an account of this size. I am completely confident that the process has been fair and transparent, and that we have chosen the best partner to go forward with."

He said the transition to the new agency will take place over the next few weeks.

ENDS

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