As in other countries, the quality of the advertising in New Zealand ranges from the crude, meretricious, and vulgar to productions that can hold their own with the best in the world. The country contains a few first-rate commercial artists and writers and a rather larger number of thoroughly competent ones. American advertising–both good and bad–sets the standard and strongly influences those people directly involved in producing advertising for all media.

Finally, although there is not space here to develop the subject, it may be worth while pointing out that the money spent on advertising not only maintains the artists, writers, and other specialist staffs of advertising agencies and makes low-priced newspapers and periodicals possible, but also keeps in existence large numbers of printers, plate and blockmakers, photographers, film and recording companies, and even the commercial radio and television services.

by John Eliot Blennerhassett, Advertising Executive, Wellington.