Many advertising characters used as mascots and characters by companies in Australia and New Zealand are similar to those used in the United States and the United Kingdom. There are, however, quite a number that are unique to these two nations.
Many advertisements shown on New Zealand television are made in Australia, and many Australian and New Zealand companies operate similar businesses on both sides of the Tasman Sea. As such, there is considerable overlap in advertising characters and mascots found in the two countries.
The following is a list of notable mascots and characters created specifically for advertising purposes in Australia and New Zealand, listed alphabetically by the product they represent.
Product Character Years used Notes ANZ Bank (NZ) The Sharma family ca 2019– ASB Bank (NZ) Ira Goldstein 2000–2010 Played by American actor Steve Mellor Briscoes (NZ) The Briscoes Lady ca 1990– Played by Tammy Wells Bundaberg Rum (Aus) Bundy R. Bear 1980s on radio Campbell's Cash & Carry supermarkets (Aus) Delilah 1980s–1990s Chesdale Cheese (NZ) Ches and Dale 1960s–1980s Don Couldrey and Robert Jenkins created Ches and Dale for agency Dormer Beck Colgate Toothpaste (Aus & NZ) Mrs Marsh 1970s–1980s Commission for Financial Capability (NZ) Sorted Mouse 2001–present Cookie Time Cookies (NZ) Cookie Muncher at least the 1980s–present Creamoata (cereal, NZ) Sergeant Dan 1920s–1950s Crimsafe (Aus & NZ) Kimmy's dad 2010–present Eta margarine & peanut butter (Aus) Rita the Eta Eater 1970s–1980s Eta peanut butter (NZ)Eta Nut 1001 1960s–1980s Expol Insulation (NZ)Polly the Penguin 2000s-present Four Square (grocery stores, NZ)Mr. Four Square ("Cheeky Charlie") since at least the 1960s Frosty Boy ice cream (Aus & NZ) Frosty Boy since at least the 1960s Griffins biscuits (NZ) Cookie Bear since at least the 1970s Don Donovan created Cookie Bear for the agency Carlton-Carruthers du Chateau. The famous “Dum-de-doo” was voiced by actor David Weatherly Home Ice Cream (Aus) Delivery Dan 1999–present Home Timber & Hardware (Aus) Rusty and Sandy 1993–present Instant Kiwi (lottery scratch card, NZ) Doug and Mexi-Doug 2008–present Life. Be in it. (health campaign, Aus) Norm 1975 Also aired in the United States Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (Aus) Wally 1980s Metro Trains Melbourne (rail network, Aus) Beans (Dumb Ways to Die) 2012–present The music video for the original campaign was sung by Tangerine Kitty, featuring colorful characters resembling humanoid beans that engage in foolish and dangerous actions, devised by the advertising agency McCann Australia. As of 2021, the franchise as a whole is now owned by Australian video game company PlaySide Studios since 2021. Mitre 10 Mega stores (NZ) The Big Guy 2004–present Mortein (insect spray, Aus) Louie the Fly 1957–present The Australian author Bryce Courtenay created Louie the Fly as a copywriter for the advertising agency McCann Erickson. James Joseph White wrote the jingle, Geoffrey Morgan Pike created the animation and Louie was voiced by actor Ross Higgins. Louie also in New Zealand since the 1980s Nestle Milky Bar chocolate (Aus & NZ) The Milky Bar Kid 1969-1990s The ad used live actors until the 1990s when the Milky Bar Kid became animated. The first Milky Bar Kid was first played by Terry Brook in 1961 in the UK. Over the years the Milky Bar Kid has been portrayed by many people including Australian actor Conrad Coleby. New Zealand Electoral Commission Orange Guy ante 2000 Nine Network The Smiling Dot 1975 Used during the "Living Color" campaign NRMA Insurance (Aus) Wallace Fairweather Mid-1990s Radio in NSW & Victoria Pak'nSave (NZ) Stick Man since 2008"The Man, the Stick, the Legend, stoppress.co.nz, Retrieved10 December 2023. Voiced by comedian Paul Ego Palmolive dishwashing liquid (Aus & NZ) Madge 1971–1980s Australian version based on US commercials, with Robina Beard playing Jan Miner's role Pizza Hut delivery (Aus) Dougie the Pizza Delivery Boy 1994–1997, 2002–present Progressive Insurance (Australia) Kitty, the Progressive Insurance Girl 2011–present Australian counterpart of Progressive's Flo in the United States, with Holly Austin playing Stephanie Courtney's role Sky (New Zealand) (NZ) Bert Badger 2000s Slip-Slop-Slap (health campaign, Aus) Sid the Seagull Debuted 1981 Smith's Chips (Aus) Gobbledok late 1980s–early 1990s Sunny Queen Farms (Aus) Sunny The Egg 2009–present Supercheap Auto (Aus) Steve Lenda 2003–present Also used in NZ Streets (ice cream) (Aus) Paddle pop lion and Bubble O' Bill 2003–present Also used in NZ Telecom New Zealand Spot 1991–1998"Telecom Pays Tribute To Spot," scoop.co.nz, 31 August 2000. Retrieved 29 August 2012. Spot the dog's real name was Sandy; the name Spot was an acronym for Services and Products of Telecom. TotalspanSamMetal dog TVNZ The Goodnight Kiwi 1981–1994 The minute-long Goodnight Kiwi clip was animated by Sam Harvey in 1981. Its last broadcast was in 1994. The Comedy Channel (Aus) C'fer c.1996–2003 Tiger Tea (NZ) Tony the Tiger 1950s–1970s Tip Top ice cream (NZ) Moggy Man 1960s Toyota Masterclass cars (NZ) Ernie c.2002–2007 Mr Toys Toyworld (Toy retailers) (Aus & NZ) TW, The Toyworld Bear since at least the 1980s Last spotted at the Toyworld 40th birthday gala Tuckerbag supermarkets (Aus) Tucker Bag 1980s Turners Automotive Group (NZ) Tina from Turners 2021–present played by Sieni Leo'o Olo (Bubbah) Yellow Pages (Aus) Jan 2000–present "Not happy, Jan!" led to 'Not happy, John!' campaign Mr Whippy (Aus) Mr Whippy 1962–present XXXX (Aus) Mr Fourex 1924–present YoGo (Aus) YoGo Gorilla 1990–present
See also List of Australian sporting mascots List of American advertising characters List of European and British advertising characters
References
External links "NZ Association of Retired Advertising Icons"