Finding the right ad agency can feel like a big job. You need a partner who knows your business. This is very true if you are a local Kiwi service company trying to get the phone ringing. It is not just about cool ads. It is about getting real customers and making money from your spend. With so many choices, from big city firms to special local experts, where do you start?

This guide makes it simple. We have made a list of the best places to find top ad agencies NZ has. We will show you what each website or list is good for. This way, you can pick the best team to help your business grow and get more leads. No more spending hours on Google and feeling lost. This list is your quick way to find a partner that fits what you need. It does not matter if you are a builder in Auckland who needs better local SEO or a professional firm wanting to be seen more on Google.

As you look at the options, it helps to know the different types of firms there are, including special digital marketing agencies. Each place we talk about below gives you a different way to meet potential partners. These range from official groups to sites with reviews. We give you direct links and a clear summary for each. This helps you make a good choice without guessing. Let's look at the best places to start your search for the right ad partner in New Zealand.

1. Four Stripes

Best for: NZ service businesses wanting a full, done-for-you system to get local leads.

Four Stripes is different from other ad agencies in NZ. They offer a complete system that gets results, made just for local service businesses. They are based in East Tamaki, Auckland. They do more than just offer single services like SEO or web design. Instead, they give a full solution called the First Page, First Call™ system. This system is built to do one thing: make the phone ring with good, local job enquiries.

This method is great for tradies, home-service companies, and professional firms. These businesses need a steady stream of work, not just numbers like website clicks. Their focus on real business results, shown in their case studies and 5-star rating, makes them a strong partner for growth.

Key Strengths & Services

Four Stripes builds its plan around three main parts that work together to bring in and convert local customers. This joined-up method makes sure that every part of your online presence is set up for the best results.

• WordPress Websites That Convert: Your website is your online shop, and Four Stripes builds sites that are fast, work well on phones, and are made to turn visitors into leads. They deliver these sites in just 3–4 weeks. They make sure the sites are set up perfectly to get high Google Ads Quality Scores and rank well in local search results.
• Targeted Local SEO: Being found in your service area is very important. Four Stripes specialises in getting you seen in the Google Map Pack and on the first page of search results. Their local SEO work includes making your Google Business Profile better, creating pages for each suburb, building local links, and helping you get more customer reviews.
• ROI-Driven Google Ads: The agency runs very targeted Google Ads campaigns that focus on lowering your cost for each lead. They track all conversions for both calls and forms. They build long lists of negative keywords to stop useless clicks. They always work to make the ads better to give you the best return for your money.

What Makes Four Stripes a Standout Choice?

What really makes Four Stripes special is its strong focus on client success and being open. Founders Evie and Monique have helped New Zealand businesses make over NZ$13.6M in revenue. Some clients have seen an amazing return of up to 40:1. This is possible because they track what matters most: phone calls and form submissions.

Their client-first model is backed by a no lock-in contract policy. This gives you freedom and shows they are sure they can get results. They also give you live, easy-to-read reports, so you always know exactly how your marketing money is doing. As a NZ Made certified agency, you can be sure you're working with a trusted local partner who wants to help other Kiwi businesses do well.

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Pros:

• A proven, results-focused system (First Page, First Call™) that aims for phone-call leads and a clear return on investment.
• Fast, conversion-focused WordPress websites delivered in 3–4 weeks, built for mobile speed and high Quality Scores.
• A complete local SEO plan to be at the top of Google Map Pack results and local search.
• Specialist Google Ads management with a strong focus on lowering the cost for each lead.
• A client-first way of working with clear reports, no lock-in contracts, and local NZ support.

Cons:

• Mainly focused on NZ service-based businesses and tradies; not the best for big international brands or complex e-commerce.
• Pricing is different for each project, so you need a discovery call to get a price.

Website: https://fourstripes.co.nz

2. Comms Council – Find an Agency

Instead of a single agency, the Comms Council’s "Find an Agency" hub is an official list from New Zealand's industry group for commercial communications. Think of it as a checked, pre-approved starting point. It lists member agencies that have agreed to the Council’s code of ethics. This offers a level of trust and professionalism for businesses new to the world of advertising.

This website is special because it acts as a filter approved by the industry. Instead of searching through hundreds of ad agencies in NZ on Google, you are looking at a selected list of members who meet certain standards. This greatly cuts down the time you might spend checking if potential partners are trustworthy.

Key Features and How to Use It

The list is easy to use. You can look at an alphabetical list of member agencies. Each has a profile with details on what they do, key contacts, and a link to their website. The agencies listed cover all types of marketing services, including:

• Creative Agencies: For branding, TV ads, and big campaign ideas.
• Media Agencies: Specialising in buying and planning ad space in different places.
• Digital Agencies: Focused on online marketing, from social media to SEO.
• PR and Communications: For managing what the public thinks and dealing with the media.

Pro Tip: Use the Comms Council not just to find names, but to understand the scene. See which agencies work with major NZ brands to get a feel for who the big players are. The site also has helpful guides on how to write a brief and run a pitch.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Trusted Source: Every agency listed is a member of the official industry group, so they follow professional standards.
• Top-Tier Representation: You'll find many of New Zealand's most well-known and awarded agencies here, like DDB, Colenso BBDO, and FCB.
• Helpful Resources: The site offers guides and advice for clients on how to find and choose an agency partner.

Cons:

• No Pricing Information: Profiles do not show costs; you must contact each agency directly for prices.
• Excludes Non-Members: Many great independent or newer agencies that aren't members will not be on this list. This means you might miss out on a smaller, faster partner that could be a perfect fit.

The Comms Council list is a great resource for businesses that want a reliable, pre-checked list of established ad agencies in NZ. But it is important to remember that this is just one tool. You might find that finding the best agency in New Zealand for your specific needs means looking beyond this list to include specialist and independent firms.

Website: https://commscouncil.nz/resources/find-an-agency

3. Marketing Association (MA) – Marketing Services Directory

Like the Comms Council, the Marketing Association (MA) offers a list of its members. This gives you another high-quality place to find partners. This website is a hub for organisations that follow the best marketing practices in New Zealand. It is a great place to look for professionals who are part of the local marketing industry and its standards.

What makes the MA list special is its wider focus on the whole marketing world. It includes many top ad agencies in NZ, but it also lists suppliers, data experts, and consultants. This makes it a very useful tool if you need to build a full marketing team, not just find a single creative agency. It connects you with members who follow MA’s rules and professional development programmes.

Key Features and How to Use It

The list is part of the MA’s wider community section and is quite simple to use. You can search for members directly or look through the listings to find potential partners. The website is especially useful for finding specialists in areas beyond normal advertising, including:

• Data and Analytics: For businesses needing help with marketing information and measurement.
• Digital Marketing: Covering everything from email marketing to performance media.
• Creative and Media Agencies: Similar to other lists, but with a specific NZ marketing focus.
• Marketing Consultants: For strategic advice and project-based help.

Pro Tip: Look at an agency's connection with the Marketing Association. Do their staff go to MA events or win MA awards? This can be a good sign of how connected and up-to-date they are in the New Zealand marketing industry.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong NZ Focus: All members are part of New Zealand’s national marketing group, so they have local market knowledge and are trustworthy.
• Diverse Services: The list covers a wider range of marketing skills than just advertising, making it a one-stop-shop.
• Credible Starting Point: Members are expected to follow professional standards, which gives a basic level of trust.

Cons:

• Members Only: The list is not complete and does not include many great agencies and freelancers who are not MA members.
• Limited Information: Profiles are short and do not have price lists or detailed case studies. You have to contact them for more information.

The Marketing Association list is a great resource for businesses wanting to find credible, NZ-focused marketing partners. It is very useful if you need more than a traditional ad agency. However, to get a full view of all available ad agencies in NZ, you should use this list with other search methods to make sure you do not miss out on a perfect fit.

Website: https://marketing.org.nz/community

4. Google Ads – Work with a Partner (Find a Google Partner/Premier Partner)

When your main goal is to get leads and sales through search engines, it makes sense to go straight to the source. Google’s own Partner finder is a list made to help businesses find New Zealand agencies that have proven skills in managing Google Ads campaigns. It is a special tool for finding a partner just for paid search advertising.

This website is special because it gives an official certificate from Google itself. Agencies listed have met specific needs for client growth, ad spend, and passing certificate exams. This means you are choosing from a group of ad agencies in NZ that have shown a high level of skill with Google's advertising products. This is very true for lead-generation campaigns that need a clear return on investment.

Key Features and How to Use It

The list lets you filter and find agencies based on their Google Partner status. There are two main levels: Partner and the more special Premier Partner. The Premier Partner award is given to the top 3% of companies each year. You can look at agencies that work with NZ advertisers and see what they specialise in, such as:

• Search Ads: For getting customers who are actively looking for your services.
• Display Ads: For building brand awareness with visual ads across the web.
• Video Ads: For running campaigns on YouTube.
• Shopping Ads: Very important for e-commerce businesses.

Pro Tip: Look for agencies with special skills that match your business goals. If you're a plumber in Auckland, finding a partner with a strong record in Search Ads for local businesses is more important than one focused on international brand awareness.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Verified Expertise: The Partner badge is a sign of trust and proven skill in managing Google Ads accounts well.
• PPC-Focused: Great for businesses whose main goal is PPC performance and getting a strong return on ad spend.
• Tiered System: The Partner and Premier Partner levels help you quickly find top-performing agencies in New Zealand.

Cons:

• Narrow Focus: The list is only for Google Ads. It won't tell you about an agency's skills in web design, SEO, branding, or creative plans.
• No Pricing Information: You must contact each agency directly to talk about your budget and get a price for their services.
• Can Be a Lot: The list can still be long, and the best fit often depends on more than just a Google certificate.

The Google Partner list is a very useful resource if your plan is heavily focused on paid search. It gives you a quick way to find qualified specialists. But remember that a successful digital plan often involves more than just ads. Understanding how an agency approaches Google Ads as part of a wider plan is key to long-term success.

Website: https://ads.google.com/intl/en_nz/home/partners/work-with-a-partner/

5. Yellow New Zealand – National Business Directory

While most resources focus on creative or national firms, Yellow New Zealand has a different but equally important job: very local searching. As one of NZ's most well-known business lists, it lets you find advertising and marketing services right in your specific suburb or area. This makes it a key tool for businesses that care about being close and having local market knowledge.

This website is special because it covers the widest possible area. Instead of a selected list of top creative firms, Yellow gives a full list of businesses that offer marketing services. This includes everything from large ad agencies in NZ to solo consultants, print shops, and local digital marketers. It gives you a complete view of all the options in your local area.

Key Features and How to Use It

Yellow’s strength is its strong and simple location-based search. You can search for "Advertising Agencies" and filter the results by city or even a specific suburb, like "Remuera" or "Riccarton." Each listing usually provides:

• Contact Details: Direct phone numbers, physical addresses, and email contacts.
• Service Categories: Shows whether they focus on digital, print, creative, or other marketing areas.
• Website Links: Letting you quickly click through and look at their work.

Pro Tip: Use Yellow to make a short list of potential partners for a face-to-face meeting. If you prefer working with someone you can easily visit, this is the fastest way to find qualified ad agencies in NZ that are just around the corner.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very Broad Coverage: The best in its reach across New Zealand, from major cities to small towns.
• Excellent for Local Search: Very handy for finding local providers near your business or service area.
• Direct Contact Info: Makes it quick and easy to get in touch with many potential partners without trouble.

Cons:

• Quality Varies: Listings are not selected or checked based on performance, so the quality of agencies can be very different.
• Minimal Performance Data: You won't find verified client reviews or detailed case studies on the listings themselves. You have to do your own research.

Yellow is the perfect starting point if your main goal is finding a local partner. But since the listings are of different quality, it is important to research each company’s specific skills. Many businesses listed offer a range of digital marketing services that may be exactly what your local business needs to grow.

Website: https://yellow.co.nz/

6. Clutch – Top Advertising Agencies in New Zealand

Clutch is a global B2B marketplace that has reviews and rankings of service providers. It includes a full list dedicated to New Zealand's advertising scene. It works like a powerful directory, offering much more than just a name and a website. The website gathers verified client reviews and detailed company information. This makes it a strong tool for businesses wanting to do a deep check before they commit.

What makes Clutch special is its focus on verified, detailed client feedback. Real clients are interviewed by Clutch analysts. They give honest thoughts on an agency's performance, project management, and results. This gives you a much clearer picture of what it's actually like to work with one of the listed ad agencies in NZ. It is better than the polished case studies on their own websites.

Key Features and How to Use It

Clutch gives you a rich set of filters and data points to help you narrow down your search. You can sort and compare agencies based on their focus, client reviews, and project size. Key information includes:

• Verified Reviews: Detailed comments from past clients, with project summaries and star ratings.
• Pricing Signals: Most profiles list a minimum project size (e.g., $5,000+) and an average hourly rate. This helps you quickly filter out agencies outside your budget.
• Service Focus: Agencies list their service lines by percentage. So you can see if they are true specialists in areas like Google Ads, SEO, or creative plans.
• Leaders Matrix: A visual tool that shows agencies based on their ability to deliver and their market presence. This helps you find established leaders.

Pro Tip: Don't just look at the overall star rating. Read the full reviews to understand the story of each project. An agency might have a great 5-star rating for a large branding project but mixed reviews for smaller digital campaigns. This could be very important for your decision.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deep Checks: The verified reviews and detailed case notes let you thoroughly compare your short list of agencies.
• Transparent Budget Signals: Clear information on minimum project sizes and hourly rates saves time by helping you match vendors to your budget from the start.
• Broad Selection: Features a wide variety of ad agencies in NZ, from large full-service firms to smaller niche specialists.

Cons:

• Potential for Sponsored Placements: Some agencies pay for better visibility. So it is important to check every profile carefully and not just focus on those at the very top.
• Incomplete Directory: Not every great agency in New Zealand is listed on Clutch. It needs the agency to actively create and maintain a profile.

Clutch is a very useful resource for businesses that want data-driven, verified information to guide their choice. Its detailed profiles and transparent pricing information help you make a well-informed choice when looking for the right agency partner.

Website: https://clutch.co/nz/agencies

7. DesignRush – Top Advertising Agencies in New Zealand

DesignRush is an international B2B marketplace that connects businesses with professional agencies. Its selected list of New Zealand advertising agencies provides a detailed, filterable directory. Here you can compare firms based on specific things like budget, hourly rates, team size, and client reviews. This website is designed to make the process of finding an agency easier.

What makes DesignRush special is its level of detail and practical filters. Unlike a simple directory, it lets businesses sort ad agencies in NZ by money details and service focus from the very beginning. This helps you quickly narrow down a list to partners that match your budget and project size before you even contact them.

Key Features and How to Use It

The website’s strength is in its powerful search and detailed agency profiles. Each profile usually includes a description, a portfolio of work, client reviews, and key information about their pricing. You can look at lists organised by specific services, including:

• Full-Service Advertising: For campaigns that run across many channels.
• Branding Agencies: Specialising in brand identity, strategy, and logo design.
• Digital Marketing: Covering everything from SEO and social media to PPC.
• Creative Agencies: Focused on video production, graphic design, and campaign ideas.

Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the "Minimum project size" and "Avg. hourly rate" filters. Using these early on will save you from contacting agencies that are outside your budget. This will make your search much more efficient.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast Discovery: Clear filters and up-to-date rankings allow for quick and easy browsing.
• Transparent Pricing Info: Many profiles list average hourly rates and minimum project budgets, which gives helpful financial information.
• Useful for Cross-Category Browsing: It is easy to find agencies that offer a mix of services, like creative, digital, and media buying.

Cons:

• Sponsored Placements: Some agency rankings can be sponsored. This means their position at the top may not be based on quality alone.
• Variable Review Depth: The number and detail of client reviews can be very different between agencies. This can make direct comparisons difficult at times.

DesignRush is an excellent tool for businesses that want a data-rich website to compare potential agency partners. It is particularly useful if you have a clear budget and need to find ad agencies in NZ that fit within specific financial limits.

Website: https://www.designrush.com/agency/ad-agencies/nz

Top 7 NZ Ad Agency Sources — Quick Comparison

Item	Implementation complexity 🔄	Resource requirements ⚡	Expected outcomes ⭐📊	Ideal use cases 💡	Key advantages ⭐
Four Stripes	Moderate — agency-led, end-to-end setup 🔄	Agency fees + monthly SEO/Ads budget; low client time ⚡	Measurable phone leads & form conversions; high ROI potential ⭐📊	NZ service businesses, tradies, local lead gen 💡	Conversion-focused sites, Local SEO + Google Ads, live reporting, no lock‑in ⭐
Comms Council – Find an Agency	Low — browse vetted directory 🔄	Time to shortlist & run pitches; agency costs vary ⚡	Vetted shortlist reduces screening; quality influenced by member pool 📊	Finding ethics‑committed PR/creative/media agencies 💡	Industry-body verification and standards; trusted shortlist ⭐
Marketing Association – Services Directory	Low — searchable member listings 🔄	Moderate research & outreach; member firms vary ⚡	Access to reputable NZ marketing suppliers; dependable governance 📊	Locating NZ marketing specialists across disciplines 💡	National credibility and member governance ⭐
Google Ads – Work with a Partner	Low–Moderate — filter by certifications 🔄	Requires ad spend + partner management; PPC expertise ⚡	Strong PPC performance and measurable ROI via certified partners ⭐📊	PPC-led campaigns and lead-generation-centric briefs 💡	Google-certified partners and specialisations; tiered verification ⭐
Yellow New Zealand – National Directory	Very low — basic search & contact 🔄	Minimal effort; direct contact info; variable follow-up ⚡	Broad local discovery; quality varies; fast outreach 📊	Regional/suburb-level agency or supplier discovery 💡	Wide NZ coverage and quick contact details ⚡
Clutch – Top Advertising Agencies	Moderate — review profiles & verified reviews 🔄	Time to assess case studies, request quotes; budgets signalled ⚡	Detailed comparisons, verified client feedback, transparent budget cues ⭐📊	Selecting vetted agencies with proven case history and budget fit 💡	Verified reviews, pricing signals and Leaders Matrix for comparison ⭐
DesignRush – Top Advertising Agencies	Low–Moderate — curated lists & filters 🔄	Use filters or concierge; moderate outreach time ⚡	Fast curated discovery; portfolios and budget filters; review depth varies 📊	Cross‑category searches (creative + digital + media) 💡	Concierge matching, clear filters, portfolio-focused listings ⭐

Ready to Get More Calls and Grow Your Business?

You've made it through the list of resources. Now the real work begins: choosing the right partner to help your business grow. We’ve looked at large lists like the Comms Council and Yellow, and global sites like Clutch and DesignRush. Each offers a way to find help. But the key isn't just finding any agency; it's finding the right one for what your New Zealand service business needs.

The path to more leads and customers is about making a smart, informed choice. The most important thing to take from this guide is that your choice of partner should match your business goals. If your main goal is getting the phone to ring with local job enquiries, a general agency might not have the focused skill you need. You need a team that knows the local market, how Kiwi customers think, and the specific digital channels that drive real-world service calls.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Finding the best fit among the many ad agencies in NZ can feel like a big task. Let's break it down into simple, clear steps you can take right now to move forward with confidence.

1. Define Your One Big Goal: Before you contact anyone, be very clear on what you need. Is it more phone calls for emergency plumbing jobs? Is it a steady flow of quote requests for building projects? Write it down. A clear goal like "I need 10-15 qualified phone leads per week in the Auckland area" is much more powerful than "I need more business." This focus will help you instantly filter out agencies that are not a good match.

2. Prepare Your Questions: Don't let an agency lead the whole conversation. You are the one hiring them. Go into every talk with a list of key questions based on what you've learned.

   • "Can you show me results you've got for another business like mine?"
   • "What is your process for local SEO and getting businesses into the Google Map Pack?"
   • "How do you measure success? Will I see a clear return on my investment?"
   • "Are there lock-in contracts?"

3. Review Their Own Marketing: This is a very important but often missed step. How did you find the agency? Do they rank well on Google for their own services? Is their own website fast, clear, and easy to use? If an agency can't market itself well, it's a major red flag that they may struggle to market your business successfully.

Key Insight: The best marketing partner for a service business is one who is obsessed with results, not just processes. They should talk more about cost-per-lead and phone calls made than about vague things like 'brand awareness' or 'engagement'.

As you build your wider marketing plan, remember that digital work can be strongly supported by real-world connections. While your agency focuses on getting you found online, think about how you leave a lasting impression in person. To help with this, you can explore a guide to choosing effective promotional products that can keep your brand in mind long after a job is done.

Choosing a partner is a big investment of both your money and your trust. Take your time, do your research, and choose an agency that feels like a real part of your team. It should be one that is fully committed to your growth and understands that for a service business, a ringing phone is the best measure of success.

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Ready to work with a partner who focuses only on what matters for Kiwi service businesses? At Four Stripes, we built our 'First Page, First Call' system just to turn local Google searches into qualified jobs for tradies and professional services across New Zealand. Book a free, no-obligation strategy call with us today and see exactly how we can make your phone ring.