Westpac encourages Kiwis to ‘Avoid Black Friday Hangovers’ in new work via Saatchi & Saatchi

Westpac NZ has launched a campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, that targets Gen Z and Millennials encouraging them to shop consciously during major retail sales events like Black Friday.

The campaign, uses a “spending hangover” analogy to highlight the risks of impulsive purchases and the importance of setting limits.

With six short films and street posters carrying messages like ‘Avoid Black Friday Hangovers’ and ‘Know Your Limit’, the campaign takes a lighthearted approach to financial literacy. Westpac has also teamed up with Ārepa to distribute a special Prevention drink at malls, aimed at helping shoppers stay sharp during the retail rush.

Research shows younger New Zealanders face unique spending pressures, often fueled by “Buy Now” technology. The campaign’s goal is to spark important conversations around shopping behavior and promote conscious spending.

The initiative, which launched a week before Black Friday and runs through December, is designed to resonate with younger audiences and provide year-round relevance, helping them avoid “financial headaches” long after the sales season ends.