Stuff joins forces with creative legend Sir John Hegarty to celebrate print advertising excellence

Stuff has today announced the launch of its inaugural print advertising competition, The Paper Planes, shining a spotlight on New Zealand’s most creative and innovative uses of print media.

Brands, agencies and businesses across the country are invited to submit their best print campaigns and advertisements for consideration, with entries set to be judged by global advertising icon Sir John Hegarty.

The winning submission will be awarded in person by Sir John at a gala event in Auckland next February – and the winner will take home half a million dollars’ worth of advertising across Stuff’s suite of award-winning newspapers.

Stuff GM of Newspapers, Ben Rose, says many marketers today underestimate the power and creative possibilities of print, and The Paper Planes competition is designed to showcase its continued relevance, value and just how hard it can work as an advertising platform.

Says Rose: “Newspapers still occupy an important position as a preferred source of news for many consumers – named by 1.7 million Kiwis as their most trusted source of information.

“Not only that, newspapers allow brands and advertisers to tell their stories in a tangible way that drives consumers to act. For these reasons, we’re excited to be launching The Paper Planes – and along with Sir John Hegarty we look forward to seeing the creative concepts unleashed by New Zealand advertisers. We hope The Paper Planes will let your imagination take flight.”

Sir John Hegarty says the print medium is becoming increasingly important, especially in this day and age: “In a world of fake news, driven by social media, the power of the printed word has become ever more valuable.”

Stuff CEO, Sinead Boucher says Stuff’s print titles are an integral part of its diverse business offering and play a critical role in the lives of readers and local communities: “Across Stuff’s print and digital platforms, we reach more than 2.4 million Kiwis every day and we know our consumers enjoy different types of content and experiences across our different products. The Paper Planes initiative is born out of our consumers’ demand for thought-provoking, sophisticated and arresting content – and advertising – in our newspapers.”

Entries are open from 19 September 2019 until 13 December 2019 and will be judged on their use of innovation, strategic insight, contribution to the reader experience and art direction crafting.

To enter, or for further information about Stuff’s Paper Planes competition – including full judging criteria – go to www.paperplanes.stuff.co.nz.