Contagion

Have you noticed the change in change?

For years, the biggest challenge for brands wasn't proving they were better, it was convincing customers they were worth the hassle of switching.

Then the cost-of-living crisis hit. And many customers discovered something unexpected: switching isn't nearly as hard as they thought.

In Part 2 of our three-part Marketing Association series, we explore this shift in consumer behaviour and what brands need to do to stay relevant with a generation that's more willing than ever to look elsewhere.

https://www.contagion.co.nz/news/this-recession-created-a-generation-of-switchers

A lot has changed since 2021. But has your marketing?

Many brands are still planning for the 2021 consumer, but years of financial pressure didn't just change spending habits. They changed beliefs.

Consumers have moved from asking, "Can I afford it?" to "Is it worth it?"

That's a very different challenge for brands.

In Part 1 of our three-part series, commissioned by the Marketing Association, we explore what that shift means for marketers.

Read it here: www.contagion.co.nz/news/is-your-brand-still-selling-to-the-2021-consumer

It’s not just the human employees who enjoy office birthdays 🎂 🐶

Dogs are a big part of our team here at Contagion so when one leaves us, it’s a big deal.

After two months prancing round our office, getting lots of cuddles, Teddy’s holiday is over and she's back off home down South. We will miss you Teddy!! Come back and visit some time. 💖

P.S. Yup, that is Teddy's natural resting state.

Now there’s a familiar face 👀

If you haven’t seen it already, Dean is one of the many talented founders featured in this month’s NZ Marketing Founders Edition. It’s a great edition highlighting some of the incredible leaders and minds shaping New Zealand’s ad space, while sharing the journeys, experiences, and stories behind their success.

It’s always good to hear Dean’s enduring passion for what he does, and how the power of having creative, strategy, and media together has brought us to where we are today.

It's been an incredible 16 years at Contagion...and counting ✨

Credit has a perception problem with younger consumers.

Not because people don’t want flexibility or rewards, but because the category hasn’t kept pace with how they expect to live and spend.

That disconnect shaped the thinking behind NOW Rewards Visa with the team at Finance Now.

Younger audiences expect immediacy, simplicity and control across almost every part of life, yet they’re also more cautious about credit than many people assume. Bridging that gap meant rethinking more than just the campaign.

“Own your moment” was built to reflect a different relationship with money. One that feels practical, flexible and grounded in everyday life rather than driven by traditional finance language.

From naming the card through to design, platform and rollout, this has been a fully integrated piece of work focused on creating something people can actually see themselves using.

Great to see the campaign picked up across StopPress, Campaign Brief and M+AD last week.

Our pups were lucky enough to receive a box of handmade treats all the way from Christchurch, and we were seriously impressed. Can you believe each package was individually addressed to our fur babies?

The attention to detail definitely didn’t go unnoticed. Here at Contagion, we love supporting passionate Kiwi businesses, so if you’re looking to spoil your four-legged friend, go show some love! 🐶💛

Sometimes your biggest competitor isn’t a brand, it’s your customer thinking it’s easier to stay put than make a change.

In our latest Contagion mind vault post, we unpack why marketing that removes effort and perceived risk is far more likely to win with consumers.

Get the insight here:
https://www.contagion.co.nz/news/the-biggest-competitor-you-face-isnt-a-brand-its-doing-nothing/

This Sunday is your day.

Thank you for the quiet strength, the loud love, the check-ins, pep talks, packed lunches, warm hugs, and everything in between.

To every and any kind of mum - Happy Mother’s Day!