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Tag: New Zealand

  • Dentsu Aegis Network forms ninth global network brand MKTG

    Dentsu Aegis Network forms ninth global network brand MKTG

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network has formed its ninth global network brand, MKTG, the lifestyle marketing agency it acquired in August 2014 headquartered in New York. 

     

    The agency’s transition towards operating as one global brand, MKTG will grow from 450 full time employees and 7,000 brand ambassadors in the United States, to nearly 1,000 full time employees in 14 countries, providing a truly global lifestyle marketing solution for clients. 

     

    The realigned agency will provide clients with an integrated through-the-line service offering including sports and entertainment consulting, experiential marketing, sponsorship identification, negotiation and activation, hospitality, strategy, research and insights, custom measurement, digital and creative capabilities, content development, design and retail marketing.

     

    “The tremendous growth and importance of lifestyle marketing made it clear that strategically it was time to unify our like-minded businesses as one single brand. As a network, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of our clients, to be responsive to the needs and desires of consumers and to remain pioneering in the evolution of our industry,” said Dentsu Aegis Network CEO and Dentsu Inc. executive officer Jerry Buhlmann.

     

    In addition, out-of-home agency posterscope’s experiential arm, psLIVE’s offices across Europe and Asia Pacific, South Africa’s crimson room, Australia/New Zealand’s Apollo Nation and US-based sports and entertainment consultancy team Epic will be realigned as part of MKTG over the next 12 months.

     

    Dentsu Aegis Network chairman & CEO South Asia Ashish Bhasin said, “In India, the lifestyle marketing solutions market is growing at twice the rate of the ATL market. With Fountainhead, a leading player in India and MKTG, a leading global player, we now will have the best offering of global standards, through Fountainhead MKTG, which will make us the best lifestyle marketing solutions agency in India. This is another big step forward in helping us achieve our mission of being the second largest agency group by end 2017 in India, overturning for the first time the existing ranking which has historically been in place for over 80 years in India.”

     

    “We are truly excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to work across the network to deliver unrivalled lifestyle marketing solutions for brands. The realignment will also greatly benefit our current long-standing client base and our employees who now have the ability to plug into resources and opportunities around the globe,” said MKTG global brand president and MKTG USA CEO Charlie Horsey.

  • Sidharth Malhotra named New Zealand’s tourism ambassador for India

    Sidharth Malhotra named New Zealand’s tourism ambassador for India

    MUMBAI: Actor Sidharth Malhotra has been named as New Zealand’s tourism ambassador for India.

     

    The actor will get his first taste of New Zealand next week before beginning his new role. A keen nature lover, traveller and extreme explorer Malhotra says he wants to experience everything a destination has to offer and he has an action packed itinerary during his visit here.

     

    Malhotra’s last movie Brothers released last month and he is currently working on two more films.

     

    As part of his stay in New Zealand, Malhotra will film a video highlighting New Zealand’s scenery, adrenalin packed activities and cultural experiences that will be incorporated into Tourism New Zealand’s campaign work in India. He will also deliver messages about safe driving, encouraging Indian visitors to take care on New Zealand roads.

     

    Tourism New Zealand director of trade, PR and major events René de Monchy said, “Being able to work with someone like Sidharth Malhotra is another fantastic opportunity for Tourism New Zealand. We know from past experience of working with celebrities like China’s Huang Lei and actress Yao Chen, their influence through popular culture, particularly through social media channels is enormous.”

     

    Monchy added, “India is an important emerging market for New Zealand. We saw a surge of interest from Indian visitors as a result of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and I am sure the appointment of Sidharth as our ambassador will further add to that interest.”

     

    From 11-19 October Malhotra will visit Northland, Wellington and Queenstown.

  • AsiaSat, Rohde & Schwarz develop FTA UHD TV service for Asia

    AsiaSat, Rohde & Schwarz develop FTA UHD TV service for Asia

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) and Rohde & Schwarz have partnered to advance next-generation Ultra-HD (UHD) TV technologies by implementing the first free to air (FTA) UHD channel on AsiaSat 4.

     

    AsiaSat plans for an UHD TV broadcasting service over satellite have taken a major step forward with the imminent launch of its first channel following an extensive technical evaluation carried out at the AsiaSat UHD laboratory. Through AsiaSat 4’s high-power coverage, broadcasters and pay-TV platforms with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna in the Asia-Pacific region will be able to receive the UHD channel directly.

     

    Operating at 122°E, AsiaSat 4 provides leading edge satellite solutions to clients for TV distribution, direct to home (DTH) as well as broadband services across the Asia-Pacific region. Its high power C-band footprint spans from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East.

     

    Rohde & Schwarz is providing a comprehensive broadcast solution that includes the R&S CLIPSTER mastering station for editing, handling and playing out UHD data in real time. In addition, the R&S AVHE100 headend will be used for live encoding using an HEVC encoder with 10 bit color depth. Rohde & Schwarz technology not only gives AsiaSat the best UHD TV picture quality, it also provides a future-proof solution.

     

    “We are very excited to work with Rohde & Schwarz in this new and evolving technology that will drive future consumer viewing experience of video content. Rohde & Schwarz has shown exemplary commitment to quality and support in helping us through the evaluation phase. We look forward to launching our first UHD channel and promoting this new technology together,” said AsiaSat VP marketing and global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    “Rohde & Schwarz is the leading supplier for Digital TV transmission networks in Asia and the world. We are happy to support AsiaSat in establishing their first UHD channel and look forward to a very successful implementation,” added Rohde & Schwarz VP for sales and marketing, Asia Middle Heino Gregorek.

  • Cricket World Cup 2015 creates new records of reach & popularity

    Cricket World Cup 2015 creates new records of reach & popularity

    MUMBAI: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has become one of the most popular sporting spectacles in the world. With two double-centuries, seven scores in excess of 150 and 38 centuries, there has been no shortage of batting prowess on display in Australia and New Zealand over the past seven weeks. And 28 four-wicket hauls, including two hat-tricks, mean the bowlers have played their part, too.

     

    On the field, players and team officials have reported being delighted with the quality of pitches, outfields and training facilities. The pick of the group stage matches from an attendance point of view was the India versus South Africa game on 22 February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at which there were more than 86,000 people cheering on their respective teams, a phenomenal result given that neither of the host teams were involved.

     

    The news doesn’t stop there as people have been tuning in to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in greater numbers than ever before. Broadcast by 44 licensees, in seven languages across 220 territories, the India versus Pakistan group match drew an approximate television audience of more than 288 million in India alone, while the Australia versus England match was watched by 2.1 million people in Australia.

     

    There are 10 radio licensees broadcasting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 matches live into 80 territories and for those following the tournament on new media, the website has attracted 26.25 million visitors accumulating an incredible 227 million page views, which is a significant increase on any previous ICC event. And the tournament app has so far been downloaded 3.6 million times and has been the number-one sports app in no fewer than 48 countries.

     

    ICC chief executive David Richardson said, “These numbers provide a tangible measure of the success of the event – this Cricket World Cup has been the most followed and best attended cricket event in history. All over the world, hundreds of millions of fans have been enthralled by the quality of cricket on show, the exploits of the world’s top players and the colour of the festival across both host nations.” He further added “With nearly 1,400 members of the media attending the event, it’s fair to say that, all in all, the cricket-loving public around the world have been very well served. And we now look forward to a fitting finale on 29 March – hopefully another special occasion for the game.”

  • Star India ropes in new brands; hikes ad rates for World Cup

    Star India ropes in new brands; hikes ad rates for World Cup

    MUMBAI: As Dhoni and team prepare to face Australia and book a berth in the final of the biggest cricketing event, Uday Shankar and his team at Star India have roped in more brands as partners to make the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 one of the biggest revenue generating sport event in India.

     

    Before the start of the semi final rounds, Star India roped in many new sponsors across categories like Amazon, Snapdeal, indiaproperty.com, OLX, Voltas, Dell, Panasonic and Toyota.   

     

    Sources in Star told Indiantelevision.com that the ad rates have also seen a substantial hike. “A 10 second slot during India VS Australia bout will cost around Rs 18 – 22 lakh and the later the brand comes in, the more it pays,” the source added.

     

    The cumulative reach of the tournament soared up to 576 million viewers and is expected to grow further if India qualifies for the finals. 

     

    In the other semi final, New Zealand face South Africa. While both teams played numerous semi finals, neither have managed to qualify to the final of the flagship tournament. A highly nail biting match is expected and hence the ad rates have been hiked to Rs 14 – 16 lakh for a 10 second slot.       

     

    Star had a slow start to the tournament as Indian performances prior to the tournament was below par and fans had low expectations from the team. However in a way, this did Star a big favor as circumspect brands endorsed till certain stage predicting limited progress of Indian team. “People thought India won’t qualify for the final stages and bought slots till certain rounds instead of the full tournament. Due to that, in the later stages there are slots available, which is enabling Star to rope in brands at such high pricing,” said a media buying and planning expert.

     

  • ICC to induct Martin Crowe in Hall of Fame

    ICC to induct Martin Crowe in Hall of Fame

    MUMBAI: New Zealand great Martin Crowe, one of the most stylish and elegant batsmen of his generation, will be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on 28 February.

     

    When Crowe receives his commemorative cap from ICC director and chairman of Cricket Australia, Wally Edwards, during the innings break, he will become the 79th inductee into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and third New Zealand player after Sir Richard Hadlee and Debbie Hockley.

     

    Crowe made his international debut against Australia in Wellington in February 1982 at the age of 19. He retired 13 years later after playing 77 Tests, scoring 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36. This included 17 centuries (the most by a New Zealand cricketer), while his 299 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in January 1991 stood as a national record until Brendon McCullum scored 302 against India in Wellington last year in February.

     

    Crowe also played 143 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in which he scored 4,704 runs at an average of 38.55 with four centuries and 34 half-centuries. He played in three ICC Cricket World Cups, and led New Zealand to the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 where his side lost to eventual champion Pakistan in Auckland. However, his innovative captaincy and most runs in the series won him player of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 award. Crowe captained New Zealand in 16 Tests and 44 ODIs.

     

    Last week in Melbourne, former India Test captain Anil Kumble and Australia’s Betty Wilson were inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

     

    ICC Cricket Hall of Fame – initial inductees (55)

     

    Sydney Barnes, Bishan Bedi, Alec Bedser, Richie Benaud, Allan Border, Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott, Donald Bradman, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Denis Compton, Colin Cowdrey, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Lance Gibbs, Graham Gooch, David Gower, WG Grace, Tom Graveney, Gordon Greenidge, Richard Hadlee, Walter Hammond, Neil Harvey, George Headley, Jack Hobbs, Michael Holding, Leonard Hutton, Rohan Kanhai, Imran Khan, Alan Knott, Jim Laker, Harold Larwood, Dennis Lillee, Ray Lindwall, Clive Lloyd, Hanif Mohammad, Rodney Marsh, Malcolm Marshall, Peter May, Javed Miandad, Keith Miller, Bill O’Reilly, Graeme Pollock, Wilfred Rhodes, Barry Richards, Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts, Garfield Sobers, Brian Statham, Fred Trueman, Derek Underwood, Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes, Frank Woolley, Frank Worrell

     

    2009-10 Inductees

    Herbert Sutcliffe, Steve Waugh, Wasim Akram, Victor Trumper and Clarrie Grimmett

     

    2010-11 Inductees

    Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, Ken Barrington, Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner

     

    2011-12 Inductees

    Belinda Clark, Frederick Spofforth, Curtly Ambrose and Alan Davidson

     

    2012-13 Inductees

    Enid Bakewell, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne

     

    2013-14 Inductees

    Adam Gilchrist, Debbie Hockley, Bob Simpson and Waqar Younis

     

    2014-15 Inductees

    Anil Kumble, Betty Wilson and Martin Crowe. One more to be announced in due course

  • Maxus wins media mandate for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

    Maxus wins media mandate for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: GorupM’s agency Maxus has won the media investment mandate in India for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2015, which is taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

     

    Maxus MD Kartik Sharma said, “Cricket is one of the important sports in India and the frenzied excitement and popularity it has is unprecedented as compared to other sports. Maxus is extremely proud and excited to manage the media duties for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The World Cup is the pinnacle of one day cricket expected to draw tremendous excitement all over the world.”

     

    Maxus has previously handled four campaigns in India for the ICC including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012, ICC Champions Trophy England & Wales 2013 and ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014.

     

    ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which will commence on 14 February, will conclude in Melbourne on 29 March, during which a total of 49 matches and 14 participating nations will test their mettle.

  • Yepme to fly customers to cheer West Indies for World Cup

    Yepme to fly customers to cheer West Indies for World Cup

    MUMBAI: With the Cricket World Cup just a few days away, Yepme.com, an online fashion brand, has announced the ‘Fly To Australia and cheer for West Indies’ contest. 

     

    This comes on the back of Yepme announcing the sponsorship of the West Indies cricket team for the ICC World Cup ODI 2015, about to get underway in Australia and New Zealand. The West Indies cricket team jerseys will now sport the Yepme logo.

     

    “We are proud and excited to sponsor the West Indies team in the ICC World Cup. Being the third largest sports tournament in the world, which will be seen in more than 182 countries, it’s a huge opportunity for Yepme to strengthen its vision as a global brand! We are also providing an opportunity to cricket lovers across the country to go and watch the action live at Australia. We look forward to a large number of cricket fans participating in the contest even as they browse the fresh fashion at Yepme.com” said Yepme founder and chief operations officer Sandeep Sharma.

     

    Customers can participate by downloading the Yepme app and answering a question on Fresh Fashion. Up to 50 winners will be given tickets to Australia and a chance to watch West Indies team in Australia live, along with three days and two nights’ accommodation in Australia. 

     

    Speaking about the association, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) commercial manager Nelecia Yeates said, “We welcome Yepme to the West Indies cricket family of sponsors and partners for the world’s premier cricket event – the ICC Cricket World Cup. We look forward to a mutually beneficial association as the West Indies team remains one of the most attractive cricket teams in the world and will be one of the favorite teams in the World Cup.”

     

    The Yepme app is available on Android and customers can interact with the app in Hindi and English.

  • ICC Cricket WC 2015 announces opening events

    ICC Cricket WC 2015 announces opening events

    MUMBAI: Melbourne is to host the Australian opening event for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on 12 February, next year.

     

    Tournament co-hosts New Zealand will stage its opening event on the same evening in Christchurch.

    The Melbourne celebration will involve World Cup players and legends, cultural and music performances, a spectacular fireworks display and a yet to be revealed “special moment”.  It will reflect the diversity and excitement of the 14 competing nations and include some icons in Australian entertainment.

     

    The opening events in both Melbourne and Christchurch will form part of a broadcast package to be televised around the world by Star Sports and its licensees. In Australia it will broadcast by FoxSports and the Nine Network.

     

    Victorian Minister for major events, tourism and sport, John Eren said the privilege of hosting the opening event meant that Melbourne would be the scene for the start of the tournament in Australia and its end, with the final to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 March.

     

    “We are delighted that Melburnians and visitors from all over the world will have a chance to attend this once in a generation event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,” Minister Eren said.

     

    ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 chief executive John Harnden said, “Melbourne will welcome the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to Australia for the first time in 23 years with this opening event. The Victorian government along with Victorian Major Events Company is giving us great support to put on this show for the tournament in Australia and I’m sure it will get us off to a great start.”

     

    The opening event is produced by George P Johnson with artistic director, Michael Reid whose past credits include the opening ceremony of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

     

    The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Opening Event in Australia is a free event, which will be ticketed.

     

    Tickets will be available to the public on a first come, first served basis.

     
    The event in Christchurch will feature some of New Zealand’s best known performers, cricket legends including Sir Richard Hadlee and Stephen Fleming and a special segment to recognise the rebuilding of the city following the disastrous earthquakes.

     

    Fast Facts:
    •         ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand
    •         14 teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Zimbabwe
    •         14 host cities: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hobart, Napier, Nelson, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Wellington
    •         42 pool matches – three in each host city
    •         Every visiting team plays in both countries
    •         Children’s tickets available for every match
    •         Children’s tickets $5 for every pool match
    •         Children’s ticket for quarterfinals are $20, semifinals are $30, and final are $60
    •         Adults tickets from $20
    •         Two-thirds of total tickets $50 or less
    •         Travel Packages are on sale, go to www.icctravel.net
    •         Buy tickets and hospitality at www.cricketworldcup.com

     

  • Matua Wines official partner for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

    Matua Wines official partner for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new partnership with Matua Wines, which will be the ‘Official Wine in New Zealand’ for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2015. 

     

    As part of the deal with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Matua products will be supplied at all the venues in New Zealand. 

    Speaking on the new partnership, ICC general manager – commercial said that the ICC was delighted to welcome the wine brand as the official wine partner in New Zealand.

     

    “Matua is a renowned brand that has a strong presence both in New Zealand and across the region and we know that supporters will enjoy the offering across New Zealand venues at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015,” he added.

    On the new partnership, Matua chief winemaker Nikolai St George commented, “For New Zealand to co-host one of the world’s most watched sporting events is truly exciting, and for Matua to be a part of it offers an unprecedented opportunity to get some of New Zealand’s most awarded wines in front of a local and global audience.” 

    He further went on to add that the game was New Zealand’s summer sport and Kiwis absolutely loved the game and so did the team at Matua. “We’re looking forward to being a part of the biggest event happening in New Zealand this year, and we’re sure that that fans who head to the games will enjoy the action paired with our great wines.” he concluded.