By Rick Goodwin, Product Innovation & Solutions Director
With so many ads competing for attention – interstitials, autoplay videos, and banner ads filling every website and app – how much of it actually resonates?
And as digital advertising becomes increasingly global, many of the platforms carrying these ads feel disconnected from New Zealand – our communities, culture, and ways of life.
But there’s one form of advertising that can’t be skipped, that’s embedded in the places we live and move through every day: out of home (OOH). And it’s not just sticking around – it’s thriving.
At oOh!media, we harness the power of local communities to help brands build authentic, lasting engagement. Our assets are more than just ad panels, they’re part of the fabric of daily life, bringing people together in ways that digital media never can.
Community impact: More than just advertising
oOh!media exists to ‘make brands unmissable and public spaces better.’ But what does ‘better’ really mean? It’s about providing functional advertising infrastructure that delivers public utility and civic value.
- Bus shelters do more than display ads – they provide shelter, lighting for safety, and wayfinding support. They’re regularly cleaned and maintained, enhancing public spaces.
- Retail centres aren’t just commercial ad spaces; they’re the heartbeat of local communities, supporting businesses, employment, and community connections.
At a time when screens are saturating the New Zealand landscape, we remain committed to media with purpose – every new installation should enhance the community it serves.
Creativity: The key to making OOH unmissable
Digital ads often feel intrusive. OOH, on the other hand, offers a more welcome interaction – it doesn’t interrupt content; it is the content.
But – just being in public spaces isn’t enough. The brands that get it right know that creativity is king.
The best campaigns don’t just take up space – they use it. They play with perspective, interact with surroundings, and make people stop and look. They transform public spaces into art, sponsored by brands.
Why do humour, simplicity, and emotional appeal work so well in OOH? Because there’s no skip button. A clever tagline on a bus shelter, a digital screen reacting to the weather, a campaign that ‘breaks the fourth wall’ – these stick in people’s minds.
While brands pour millions into online ads that are ignored in seconds, OOH remains one of the last spaces where advertisers can create shared cultural moments – something people actually talk about.
The future of OOH? Purpose-driven connection
The smartest brands aren’t just using OOH to advertise; they’re using it to contribute. The future isn’t just about plastering walls with posters – it’s about purpose-driven infrastructure that adds value to the community.
Take our partnership with Locky Dock (Big Street Bikers) – a game-changing initiative combining smart micro mobility infrastructure with dynamic advertising opportunities. Locky Docks provide free, secure bike parking and charging stations, funded through our ad model.
This isn’t just about media placement – it’s about embedding brands into services that create healthier, carbon-free streets. Positioned in transport hubs, shopping centres, and community gathering points, Locky Docks open up new opportunities for advertisers while meeting real public need.
Beyond advertising, Locky Docks serve a broader social purpose. The buzz on social media and growing public demand for more Locky Docks prove their value. Plus, data on usage helps quantify the impact of campaigns – reducing emissions, promoting sustainability, and creating social good.
With recent expansions into Whangārei, Taupō, and more regions in 2025, Locky Docks are a gateway for brands to connect with local communities in an authentic way.
Beyond advertising: Building real community connections
In the competitive New Zealand media landscape, oOh!media is more than just ‘spots and dots’. We create real connections with communities – driven by public utility, human-centric creativity, and innovative platforms like Locky Dock.
It’s time to go beyond traditional formats and tap into the power of local with oOh!media.
