CB Exclusive: The Co-operative Bank brings Kiwi banking epiphanies to life in latest campaign ‘Bank Better Stories’ via FEDERATION
CB Exclusive – The Co-operative Bank has launched a fresh new campaign, created by independent creative agency FEDERATION, with the first four of a series of delightfully quirky films that uncover the truth New Zealanders all secretly know: sometimes your brain hits pause at the most random moment, and you start questioning your bank.
The new campaign, “Bank Better Stories”, highlights the unexpected, relatable instances when New Zealanders experience a small mental jolt, an internal nudge that says, “Could I be banking better?”
Whether it’s in the dairy aisle, in a dentist’s chair, or halfway through shampooing your hair, each story captures the little moment when everyday life freezes and the whisper of “BettAHHHH” echoes through your subconscious.
“We know the average Kiwi checks their bank accounts six times a day!” says Brad Collett, Chief Creative Officer at FEDERATION. “So we wanted to get into the minds of our audience and catch them mid-thought, highlighting the moment they pause to think about their banking situation, and rethink why they aren’t with The Co-operative Bank.”
The campaign leans into character-driven storytelling, creating elevated slices of Kiwi life that feel both cinematic and intimately familiar, based on real life situations. Directed by James Anderson, each vignette captures the awkward, funny, too-honest moments we often keep to ourselves.
“Kiwi audiences don’t need to be shouted at,” says the team at The Co-operative Bank. “We wanted to build something playful, smart, and human, something that makes people feel seen, and gently nudges them to consider a better banking experience.”
From banking scams to saving goals, the campaign covers a wide range of themes – all told through the lens of everyday New Zealanders having very un-everyday thoughts.
“It’s about that split second of realisation,” adds Olly Walker-Boden, Managing Director at FEDERATION. “We’ve all had that weirdly introspective moment while doing something completely unrelated. That’s what makes these spots so powerful. They’re not pushing a message – they’re pulling you in with truth, humour, and relatability.”
These are the highly anticipated follow up spots of the Bank Better NZ creative platform, launched two years ago. With more stories to come, and a fresh new brand design identity by FED Design that celebrates the feeling of banking better, the campaign is designed for maximum versatility across TV, online video, social, OOH, and digital channels.
Because in a world where attention is fleeting, The Co-operative Bank has found a way to make you pause, and maybe even reconsider your next financial move.
Client: The Co-Operative Bank
Agency: FEDERATION
Director: James Anderson
Production Company Two Heads
Producer: Kate Olive
DOP: Clayton Carpinter
Colourist: Mikee Carpinter
Audio & Sound: Liquid Studios
Media: D3
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