Media Release: New Zealand, July 1, 2026 – Independent Media Agencies New Zealand Incorporated, the industry body representing locally-owned independent media agencies, has rebranded as AIMA - Aotearoa Independent Media Agencies.
The rebrand reflects the organisation's ambition to forge a path that best serves Kiwi businesses and the opportunities ahead for New Zealand's independent media sector. The organisation's legal structure and membership remain unchanged.
Chair of AIMA, Alex Radford, said the new name marks the next chapter for the organisation as it looks to the future: "We started this organisation because we believed the market needed a strong independent voice and that hasn't changed.
“The evolution of the name to Aotearoa Independent Media Agencies (AIMA) better embodies our mission, but the rest of the organisation remains unchanged."
AIMA represents 40 independent media agencies across the country, and has the purpose of getting more NZ advertisers working with more indies. AIMA is tasked to promote the benefits of working with indies to marketers, facilitate collaboration amongst the membership on industry matters and provide a strong return to the many partners that support us.
Since its establishment, AIMA has introduced a range of initiatives to support members and strengthen New Zealand's independent media sector, including advocacy to raise the profile of independent agencies with Government, a development programme for those new to the industry, a roster of certified business service providers that deliver member cost savings and an awards programme recognising the people and organisations that contribute to the success of the sector.
About AIMA
AIMA is a not-for-profit industry association developed and run by independent media agency leaders. Led by CEO Simon Teagle, AIMA is working towards a future where every NZ advertiser that needs to communicate with customers engages with an indie media agency.
AIMA champions the unique strengths of independent agencies - their agility, client proximity, and entrepreneurial spirit - through advocacy, education, and industry collaboration.