The creation of the 2026 NZ Olympic Committee Brand Campaign

The Fern Is All Of Us

New Zealand Olympic Committee

Campaign launch for the 2026 Winter Olympics & Commonwealth Games

The Challenge

NZOC asked us to create their 2026 Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games launch campaign. The brief? Create a goosebump campaign. One that leaves people with chills and pride in our national teams. Not an ad. A feeling. One that needed to resonate with all New Zealanders - the athletes, their whānau, legacy fans, first-time viewers, the whole country.

What We Made

A campaign built around connection - between generations, codes, communities, and culture. We led the creative and production on a powerful brand film anchored in tākahi — the unifying stomp found in haka. Performed together by current athletes, sporting legends, everyday members of the community and kaihaka from Hoani Waititi Marae, the energy from all involved was incredible. At its core: Pōtangatanga, the haka written and gifted to the NZ Olympic team by Tā Derek Lardelli. A taonga in it's own right and the heartbeat of the work.

How We Did It

We built an incredibly talented team we knew would throw their hearts fully into the campaign. Cultural advisors were with us from day one - not just signing things off, but helping to shape the approach alongside us. Authenticity wasn’t a box to tick, it was the backbone of the entire process. Cast real athletes. Built a visual language around grounded textures and raw performance. We shot on location with the incredible support of our hosts at the Hoana Waititi Marae, using the environment as a frame, not a filter. No over-styling. Just clarity, energy, and intent.

Deliverables

60” TVC
90” Hero Film - To Showcase The NZ Team at the 2026 Olympics and Commonwealth Games Events and all Supporting Media
"One Year To Go" July Launch Event Showcase Film at the Auckland Museum
Cutdowns for social
Stills suite for press & OOH

The Outcome

Premiered at NZOC’s national partner event 'One Year To Go' and rolled out across digital, TV, and outdoor. It was more than a campaign: it was a moment for us all. And it reminded everyone why we still show up, year after year, to stand behind that fern.