Strategy Creative’s Chris Flack Appointed Judge For 2025 Communication Arts Design Awards

Chris Flack, Design Director at Strategy Creative, has been announced as the only New Zealand-based judge for the prestigious 2025 Communication Arts Design Awards — one of the world’s most respected platforms recognising excellence in visual communication.

Now in its 66th year, the Communication Arts Design Competition is internationally regarded as a benchmark for creative excellence. Flack joins a panel of nine international judges, hand-picked for their creative influence and contributions to the global design industry. Together, they’ll review the year’s most outstanding work across branding, packaging, editorial, experiential, and digital categories.

“This is one of those milestone moments — to be sitting alongside such a globally respected jury is an honour,” says Flack. “But more importantly, it's a chance to bring a uniquely Kiwi perspective to the table. There’s an incredible level of creativity here in Aotearoa.”

Flack, who has been with Strategy Creative for over a decade, has been part of the team behind some of the studio’s most recognised work. This includes launching TEDxChristchurch with a ping pong ball explosion, rebranding Christmas, and the internationally acclaimed climate protest campaign Mate Act Now. Most recently, he helped bring Te Anau Time to life — a tourism initiative that introduced an entirely new time zone to encourage visitors to slow down and explore the town. The project earned a coveted D&AD Wood Pencil in the PR, Creative Use of Budget category.

“Chris being invited to judge at Communication Arts is not just a big win for him, but for New Zealand design as a whole,” says Strategy Creative Managing Partner Fraser Callaway. “It speaks to the kind of ideas-first, globally relevant work coming out of our studios — and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Entries for the 2025 Communication Arts Design Competition close on Friday, 2 May 2025. Late entries will be accepted until 16 May 2025 with a US$10 fee. Submissions can be made at www.commarts.com.

Flack encourages local creatives to get involved:

“If you’ve been sitting on work you’re proud of — this is the moment to back yourself and put it out there. Let’s show the world what Aotearoa design can do.”

© Scoop Media