New Zealand’s advertising landscape is evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) making a significant impact. According to the latest survey by the Television Research Agency (TRA), the AI-generated ad campaign by Skinny featuring a digitally cloned 64-year-old Liz Wright has emerged as one of the most popular advertisements among New Zealanders. The campaign secured a position in the top ten alongside well-known brands such as Tux, One NZ, KFC, and Turners.

In the survey conducted in June 2025, Kiwis expressed their enthusiasm for the innovative ad, demonstrating a clear shift towards embracing cutting-edge technology in marketing. The digitally cloned Liz Wright, selected from hundreds of entries in a nationwide search, has resonated with audiences, showcasing the creative possibilities that AI brings to advertising.

Matt Bain, Spark’s marketing and data director, highlighted the transformative power of AI in the advertising sector. He noted that AI has made digital effects more accessible, stating, “Brands like Skinny can actually do things like clone a customer and then create scenes that wouldn’t have been possible on Skinny’s budgets.” This democratization of technology allows smaller brands to compete with larger corporations by leveraging sophisticated tools previously reserved for bigger budgets.

The Skinny ad exemplifies how AI can enhance customer engagement by personalizing content and creating relatable narratives. As consumers become increasingly accustomed to personalized marketing experiences, the use of AI-generated content is likely to grow, allowing brands to connect with audiences on a more intimate level.

This trend reflects broader changes in the advertising industry, where creativity merges with technological advancements. As brands strive to capture the attention of consumers in a crowded marketplace, the integration of AI tools will continue to play a crucial role.

The success of Skinny’s AI-driven campaign signifies a turning point in how advertisements are created and perceived in New Zealand. With audiences responding positively to innovative approaches, it is clear that the future of advertising will heavily rely on the fusion of creativity and technology. As companies like Skinny pioneer this movement, the potential for AI to reshape the marketing landscape remains vast and promising.

Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Adrian Orr has been appointed to the board of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund. This development follows Orr’s unexpected departure from the Reserve Bank in March 2023. The fund, which currently manages approximately $300 million in assets, announced Orr’s appointment in a media release, highlighting his connection to the Cook Islands through his grandfather, No’oroa George, a native of the islands.

Orr has been a strong advocate for the establishment of the superannuation fund, supporting his uncle, former Member of Parliament Norman George, during the legislative process. According to the fund’s statement, Orr provided “strategic and operational support” to the board and its executive team prior to his appointment.

In addition to his role with the superannuation fund, Orr collaborated with the fund’s chief executive, Damien Beddoes, to create the Pacific Islands Investment Forum, which engages 20 funds from 12 countries. This initiative reflects Orr’s commitment to enhancing investment opportunities within the region.

Fund chair Heinz Matysik emphasized Orr’s extensive industry experience, stating, “Adrian brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership that will strengthen our board. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the fund enters its next phase of growth and development.”

Orr has not publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his resignation from the Reserve Bank. His departure raised questions due to its unexpected nature, with the bank only confirming that his reasons were “personal.” In June, a release of documents indicated that Orr had been negotiating a Five Year Funding Agreement with bank officials and the Minister of Finance when he chose to resign. He reportedly believed that the bank required additional funding beyond what the board was prepared to authorize.

As Orr begins his new role, his experience and connections within the financial sector are expected to play a significant part in the future success of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund.

A video depicting an alleged drink-driver’s car stranded on the median barrier of a highway in Taranaki has gained significant attention on social media. The clip, recorded by witness Chris Cooper, captured the incident that occurred early on Saturday morning, specifically around 2:10 AM, on State Highway 3 near the Waitara River. Since being shared on Facebook, the video has amassed over one million views.

The footage shows an SUV stuck on the barrier, with the driver seemingly attempting to accelerate in a bid to free the vehicle. Cooper, who was driving by at the time, described the scene as both unusual and concerning. The moment was dramatic, highlighting the potential dangers of impaired driving.

Following the incident, local authorities were alerted to the scene. Officers from the Taranaki Police responded to reports of a vehicle on the barrier, which is located between Mamaku and Main North roads. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

As a consequence of the incident, a 28-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on July 23, 2024. He faces a charge of drink-driving, underscoring the ongoing issue of impaired driving on New Zealand roads.

The viral nature of the video has sparked discussions about road safety and the consequences of driving under the influence. As more viewers engage with the clip, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and vehicle operation.

New Zealand shearers Toa Henderson and Jack Fagan celebrated significant victories in the French Open international final on Sunday, a major highlight of the French shearing and wool handling championships held in Boussac. Henderson’s win marked his first Open final victory in the Northern Hemisphere, boosting his confidence as he prepares for upcoming competitions against Welsh shearers.

Henderson, who previously secured wins at the Golden Shears and New Zealand Championships earlier this year, now boasts over 40 wins in Open finals, with 35 of those victories occurring since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I can’t wait to take on the Welsh, it will be good experience, but everything is still new for me over here.”

The New Zealand team faced tough competition from their French counterparts, Jeremy Leygonie and Pierre Grancher. In the final, Henderson qualified first from the semi-finals, finishing the initial shear of 20 blackface lambs in a time of 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Fagan followed closely, finishing just 26 seconds later. Henderson’s performance earned him a score of 56.55 points, while Fagan scored 58.1 points, placing him second. Leygonie and Grancher finished third and fourth, respectively.

Henderson’s success in Boussac comes after a challenging start to the tour, where he finished fourth in the Scottish blackface shearing championships at the Lochearnhead Shears on June 28. He also placed third at the Great Yorkshire Show, where he faced Fagan and found himself outperformed by Welsh shearer Lewis.

The competition against Wales is anticipated to be intense. While New Zealand has historically dominated home matches in the annual series, victories in Wales are less common. The Welsh team, particularly Lewis, recently set a two-stand British eight-hour ewe record by shearing 696 sheep alongside fellow Welsh shearer Llyr Evans. With Lewis having spent considerable time competing in New Zealand, the upcoming matches promise to be challenging.

The next test against Wales will take place at the Royal Welsh Show on July 7, 2025, followed by the final event of the tour at the Corwen Shears on July 26, 2025. The New Zealand team aims to maintain their momentum, building on their recent performances and learning from every challenge along the way.

International competition results from Boussac illustrate New Zealand’s overall strength, with the team winning by 11 points against France. As the tour progresses, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of shearers’ skills on the international stage.