Kiwibank has assembled a bold new agency model built exclusively around independent, New Zealand-owned agencies — in a first for any major financial institution in Aotearoa. As part of this model, Together has been appointed Kiwibank’s principal media and customer engagement agency effective from early 2026.
The progressive move is designed to fuel Kiwibank’s continued growth and deepen its connection with customers through the integration of Together’s capabilities.
Following five years of rapid growth — with the business more than doubling in size — Kiwibank has reimagined its agency model to reflect its position as a purpose-led brand committed to doing things differently.
“As a bank, created by Kiwi to make Kiwi better off, we want our agency model to be as ambitious, future-focused, and uniquely New Zealand as we are,” said Simon Hofmann, GM of Marketing, Brand and ecommerce at Kiwibank.
As a bank, created by Kiwi to make Kiwi better off, we want our agency model to be as ambitious, future-focused, and uniquely New Zealand as we are.”Simon Hofmann, GM Brand & Marketing, Kiwibank
The new approach is anchored by four exceptional New Zealand-owned partners, each bringing world-class expertise in their field.
The World’s Most Effective Independent Creative Agency, Special, leads brand communications strategy, creative comms and consumer PR; TRA, recently named on the Financial Review BOSS Most Innovative Companies list, brings strategic strength as the lead insight partner; DNA, recipient of the prestigious Purple Pin, Webby and IXDA Awards, are the experience and design specialists leading Kiwibank’s digital customer and ecommerce journeys.
And Together, Media Agency of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024 across Campaign, Beacons and IAB, joins the Kiwibank agency model as principal media and customer engagement partner.
Combined, this collective represents the very best of modern, independent, and future ready thinking — built to accelerate momentum and unlock smarter outcomes. An all-New Zealand agency model not only means supporting local, but being backed by expert partners that live, breath and understand the local market.
Together brings a modern, data-rich media model that integrates owned, earned, and paid media under one system — unlocking advanced digital planning and some of the country’s leading AI and data science thinkers to supercharge Kiwibank’s customer growth.
“We’ve been deeply impressed by Together’s strategic clarity, digital depth, and cultural fit,” adds Hofmann. “Their ambition reflects our own, and we’re excited about the momentum we’ll build together.”
Rufus Chuter, Managing Partner at Together, said: “We’re thrilled to not only partner with Kiwibank — the largest New Zealand owned bank — but also join an independent collective of New Zealand agencies. Aotearoa has some of the smartest, most creative and effective independent agencies in the world, and this is a true tangible demonstration of Kiwibank’s purpose in action.”
Aotearoa has some of the smartest, most creative and effective independent agencies in the world, and this is a true tangible demonstration of Kiwibank’s purpose in action.”Rufus Chuter, Managing Partner, Together
The agency model is complimented by Kiwibank’s internal studio, and a broader network of independent partners who each bring specialist capability into a fully connected and customer-first system.
“All of our partners are independent — fast, modern, and responsive to the changing pace of the market. But more than that, they’re among the most effective and awarded agencies in New Zealand and the region. It’s thoughtfully designed and best-in-class,” concludes Hofmann.
Kiwibank acknowledges flexibility when the right solution requires it:
“We’re not pretending we won’t ever work with global partners when it makes sense — but the core of our system is unapologetically Kiwi. It’s designed for impact, built on shared values, and laser-focused on helping make more Kiwi better off.”
At the same time, Kiwibank extended a heartfelt thanks to its long-standing media agency partner, OMD.
“We want to give a massive and genuine thank you to OMD. They have been an exceptional partner — from the all singing and dancing Indepen-dance to the critically acclaimed Mind Over Money, the viral I Am Hope and the Grand Effie-winning This is Kiwi, they’ve helped shape our story and our success. There is no questioning the commitment, creativity, and heart everyone has brought to this relationship over its many many chapters! We move forward with absolute respect and genuine gratitude.”
Media contact: External Communications media@kiwibank.co.nz.