McCann New Zealand named among world’s best in 2026 Contagious Pioneers
Fresh off being crowned Campaign Brief New Zealand Agency of the Year earlier this year, DDB New Zealand – now operating as McCann New Zealand – has added another major global accolade, earning a place in the 2026 Contagious Pioneers list.
Compiled by Contagious, the annual Pioneers ranking spotlights the agencies setting the benchmark for marketing excellence worldwide. Just 11 agencies made the cut this year, selected based on their consistent performance on Contagious IQ – the platform’s rigorous intelligence tool that analyses the most effective and innovative work globally.
The 2026 list also marks a milestone moment, with DDB NZ among several first-time winners, alongside agencies including David New York, Leo UK, Gut São Paulo, LePub Milan and VCCP London. It’s also the first time an agency from Singapore has been recognised in the Pioneers ranking.
Says Gary Steele, Chief Creative Officer, McCann New Zealand: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as one of the 2026 Contagious Pioneers. To be named among the top 11 of the world’s most creative and innovative agencies is a huge honour for our team and clients, and reflects our ambition to create stories that live on.”
The 2026 Contagious Pioneers, in alphabetical order, are:
David New York
DDB NZ, Auckland (now known as McCann New Zealand)
Gut São Paulo
LePub, Milan
Leo UK, London
Marcel Paris
Mother London
Ogilvy Singapore
PS21 Madrid
Uncommon Creative Studio, London
VCCP London
Not only do this year’s Pioneers hail from across the globe, but the work created by these agencies spans across a range of sectors too, from finance to fast food, proving that best-in-class creativity is agnostic of product category.
Says Chloe Markowicz, Contagious Editor: “We have no patience for “good” work at Contagious. We’re only interested in the best: the smartest strategic thinking, the most future-facing innovation and the bravest creativity. The work that is featured on Contagious IQ represents the top 1% of marketing excellence and the campaigns from our 2026 Contagious Pioneer agencies is the pinnacle of this content.
“It’s already a tremendous achievement to be featured on Contagious IQ, but to be named a Contagious Pioneer shows that an agency has been repeatedly passed our editorial filter. It’s testament to their consistent creativity and originality and is a true marker of excellence.”
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