The Axis Student Challenge Is Back and Bigger than Ever

The 2024 AXIS Student Challenge has officially commenced, sparking enthusiasm among tertiary students across Aotearoa.

Led by Tara McKenty, chief innovation officer, and co-executive creative director of BMF Australia, and James Wotton, Comms Council head of comms and events, the briefing session, which took place last Friday, set the stage for ambitious students from various tertiary institutes nationwide. Inclusivity and diversity take centre stage this year, with the competition open to all tertiary education providers.

Simon Lendrum, CEO of the Comms Council, emphasises the pressing need to address the challenges of recruitment in the industry, stating, "Opening up the Student Challenge to all tertiary education providers is just one way we can help foster a thriving, diverse talent pool that will invigorate and enrich our industry."

Over the next month, students will unleash their creativity to craft advertising concepts, receiving valuable feedback from a panel of creative directors. The competition offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to gain prominent exposure within the creative industry while connecting with the next generation of creative talent and shaping the advertising landscape for years to come.

The stakes are high, and the rewards are exceptional, with the winning team receiving a coveted gold AXIS trophy at the highly anticipated AXIS Awards in April 2024. All shortlisted finalists and their dedicated tutors will also enjoy exclusive tickets to the prestigious AXIS awards evening and associated AXIS Speaks event.

The AXIS Student Challenge has a proven track record of propelling aspiring creatives into the limelight, with past winners like Robyn Ramsay and Luke Roxburgh from Media Design School in 2021, Bella Rākete and Sam Taunton-Clark from Media Design School in 2022, and Amie Franshaw and Max Hansen from AUT in 2023 leaving their mark on the industry.

To continue the program's expansion and nurture the creative talent pool in Aotearoa, the Comms Council seeks a sponsor for the AXIS Student Challenge. Sponsors will not only gain prominent exposure among the wider creative industry but also introduce the next generation of creative talent to their brand or product, contributing to the growth of an innovative generation of creative minds.