KFC Fish and Chip Shop launches to raise funds for Surf Lifesaving NZ via Stanley St + Special PR
Thousands of New Zealanders travelled from as far as Hamilton to get their hands on KFC’s limited edition Kentucky Fish & Chips – raising $40,000 for Surf Life Saving New Zealand. KF&C was a two-day fundraising pop-up delivered by KFC, Stanley St and Special PR at Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
It offered the catch of summer – fresh Tarakihifish battered in the Colonel’s 11 secret herbs and spices and paired with KFC’s iconic seasoned chips.
The perfect weather and eagerness to try the limited-time offering saw several ‘campers’ opting to set up picnic tables and chairs from 9 am to get their hands on the product first.
Holly Knowles, KFC’s Senior Brand Manager, revealed they were forced to switch on a contingency plan to deal with the crowds: “The line was at least 90 minutes long before we even opened our doors at midday on Friday. We even had people drive to Auckland’s North Shore from Hamilton, so we immediately knew we needed to upgrade our existing plan” said Knowles. “We had to ensure it was a safe event for everyone – so we doubled security, sourced crowd control barriers and upped our food order to meet the demand.
“Despite our best efforts, we still sold out late on Saturday afternoon. We’d like to apologise to anyone disappointed – but don’t worry, we’ll cook up another surprise again soon.”
While fish and chips won’t be a regular offering from KFC, the campaign was launched as a fundraising initiative to support its longstanding charity partner Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
The volunteer-based organisation is a welcomed sight for Kiwis on New Zealand beaches, clocking up over 240,000 hours of service last summer. $40,000 was raised for Surf Life Saving will support their vital training, public education and operational costs.
Adds Knowles: “Our marketing always focuses on creating experiences that not only lean into the community but align with Kiwi culture. The reaction is a testament to the truth of our brand – it’s ‘the power of KFC’ – and we’re so lucky to be guardians of that.”
KFC
Restaurant Brands NZ Marketing Director: Clark Wilson
Marketing Director: Leanne Too
Senior Brand Manager: Holly Knowles
Social Media & Content Specialist: Chelsea Tsang
Product Development Manager: Petrina Charles-Castelino
Junior Designer: Dayna Edwards
Stanley St / Culture
Executive Creative Director: Anna Yates
Senior Creative: Sam Henderson
Head of Photography: Luke Harvey
Business Director: Karlie Lloyd
Senior Account Manager: Olivia Jackson
Producer: James D’Arcy
Special PR
Managing Director: Kelly Grindle
Creative Lead: Duncan Killick
PR Director: Georgie Zonneveld
PR Senior Manager: Jess Walker
PR Account Executive: Georgia Grindle
PHD:
Senior Digital Planner: Morgan Johnston
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