Kiwibank brand refresh recognised in international Good Design Awards for design excellence

19/09/2022

Kiwibank’s first major brand overhaul in a decade has been recognised at the prestigious Good Design Award’s in Australia that celebrates design and innovation excellence from around the world.

With a proud history dating back to 1958, the awards are the oldest and one of the most prestigious awards for design and innovation. Kiwibank’s newest accolade sits within the Communication Design category and was awarded on the basis of showing excellence in professional design and a design-led approach that has an impact on business success and social and environmental outcomes.

“Winning in these global awards is a great reflection of the process, care and craft that went into the design of Kiwibank’s refreshed identity and testament to the work of our internal teams and community of partners who collaborated on this.” said Kiwibank GM of Brand and Marketing Simon Hofmann. “It’s always fantastic to see Kiwi winning on the world stage and so it’s pretty special to see Kiwibank recognised in this way.”

“The Kiwibank identity is inspired by the concept of a thriving Aotearoa, designed around the te ao Māori metaphor for a thriving whānau and community symbolised in pā harakeke. It is recognition of our future ambition and reflective of the modern and progressive Aotearoa we’re inspired by and our Purpose to make Kiwi better off.”

The Good Design Awards Jury commented: A strongly refreshed brand for an industry that is known to be conservative. Kiwibank's new design is not only vibrant and eye-catching for all generations but is backed by a well-considered design system that embraces the Harekeke plant. By conducting research with Māori and using the Harekeke plant that symbolises a thriving community speaks to Kiwibank's ambition to consider financial wellbeing as a bigger strategy.”

Lead design partner Geoff Suvalko from ThoughtFull “We wanted to design a progressive brand expression and language that could grow with the bank. That could represent and support its ambition as a business whilst reflecting the values of its culture. To stand tall amongst banks, express a fresh take on being kiwi and be bold in how it turns up in the world.'”

Dr. Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia and Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards said: “We know that good design, when used effectively, can improve our quality of life and make the world around us better, safer, more efficient and more beautiful. It is clear from this year’s winning projects that investment in professional design delivers real impact – be it at a commercial, environmental or societal level. As our world transitions to a less-carbon intensive future, a design-led approach to solving problems and delivering meaningful impact is going to become more critical.”

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About Good Design Australia and the Australian Good Design Awards

Good Design Australia is an international design promotion organisation responsible for managing the annual Australian Good Design Awards and other signature design events. With a proud history that dates back to 1958, Good Design Australia remains committed to promoting the importance of design to business, industry, government and the general public and the critical role it plays in creating a better, safer and more prosperous world.

Visit the Good Design website.