Motion Sickness and Special PR to represent NZ on Agency Of The Year Global Awards stage

In a shortlist dominated by global names, Motion Sickness leads the charge for New Zealand agencies at the prestigious Agency of the Year (AOY) Global Awards – being nominated in multiple categories, with Executive Creative Director and Founder Sam Stuchbury the most shortlisted individual globally.

In addition to the agency’s shortlist for global Independent Agency of the Year, Founder and ECD Sam Stuchbury has been individually shortlisted in four categories, highlighting his exceptional leadership and creative vision including ‘Global Creative Leader.

This follows a series of recent wins for Stuchbury, including being named AU/NZ Agency Growth Leader, Young Business Leader, and Young Creative Person of the Year at the 2024 Campaign Agency of the Year Awards.

Motion Sickness’s recent wins include Silver for both Global Creative Agency of the Year and Global Independent Agency of the Year in 2024. This metal reflects the agency’s consistent performance and innovative approach in the creative sector.

Special PR has been shortlisted alongside some of the world’s biggest and most prominent PR agencies – including The Romans (UK), Edelman (Malaysia), Ogilvy (Australia) and FleishmanHillard, Golin and Weber Shandwick (all from the United States).

The winning agency from the top seven will be announced in London on June 12th, as part of Campaign’s Global Agency of the Year ceremony.

Says Kelly Grindle, Managing Director of Special PR: “We might come from the 126th smallest country in the world, but we’re proud to see our agency stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best from around the globe.

“We’ve always had the belief that PR from the edge of the world can resonate at the centre of the world – and being recognised as a finalist in this ceremony is testament to that.”

Special PR launched in 2021 in New Zealand as part of Special Group – with a remit to expand PR, influence and activation services.

The agency has grown to encompass a team of 15 in the Auckland office, servicing clients such as Restaurant Brands, DB Breweries, Tourism New Zealand, Moet Hennessy, Jaguar Land Rover and One NZ.

The Campaign Agency of the Year awards are judged by a panel of leading marketing and industry experts and have analysed PR agency performance from the 2024 calendar year.

Creative highlights from Special PR in 2024 include the launch of The Gravy Train as part of KFC’s Super Rugby sponsorship, crafting a challenge to The Michelin Guide by creating a restaurant under the stars to promote New Zealand cuisine for Tourism New Zealand, and the launch of The Export Ultra Cold Call Service where Vanilla Ice reminded Kiwi to get their beers out of the freezer for DB Breweries.

Special PR has also dominated local and regional award shows where it was recognised as ‘PR Agency of the Year’ by the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, and ‘New Zealand PR Agency of the Year’ by Campaign Asia.

Says Tony Bradbourne, founder and CEO of Special: “It is the first time ever that a New Zealand PR agency has achieved this level of global acclaim. For a PR agency in New Zealand to be recognised by such a revered and established institution, and go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest PR agencies in the world, is a remarkable achievement.”

“A massive congratulations to the team at Special PR, our dedicated partners, and our brave clients. The agency is only just hitting its stride, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us.”

The AOY Global Awards celebrate excellence across various agency disciplines worldwide, including creative, digital, media, PR, integrated, and social media. Motion Sickness’s inclusion in the shortlist highlights its strong business results, unique company culture, and commitment to delivering impactful work both locally and globally.

The AOY Global Awards ceremony is scheduled for June 12, in London. This event will convene top agencies from around the world to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry.

Image 1 (L-R): Motion Sickness’ Alex McManus – GM; Sam Stuchbury – Executive Creative Director, Hilary Ngan Kee – Head Of Strategy

Image 2: Special PR team