TV
10 Dec 2017, 1NEWS: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... for only some NZ retailers. (Note I did NOT jump ship to Massey! That's me being interviewed on my campus at AUT. Just mislabeled here!).
Do you think it's fair for retailers to adjust their changing room mirrors so that your reflection looks skinnier when trying on clothes -- making you more susceptible to buying them? It may sound like an urban legend, but it actually does happen, our colleagues at Fair Go report. Dr. Sommer Kapitan helps investigate.
FairGo for April 15, 2019. How has consumer love of chocolate shaped brand loyalty? A question for Cadbury in the run up to Easter.
1 News Now, Nov 23, 2019. Discussing the role and influence of the NZ government's $100,000 payment to Stephen Colbert for drawing tourists to NZ.
Why are more people choosing diamonds grown in a lab? Ethical supply chain gives consumers more choices in jewellry.
Radio/Podcast
NewstalkZB, The Mike Hosking Breakfast, “Government spends $30K on social media influencers,” Nov 19, 2020
ABC Australia’s “AM” show, “Jacinda Ardern’s opponent says still all to play for,” Oct 13, 2020
Radio New Zealand’s “Nine to Noon” broadcast, “Regulations imminent for vaping vacuum,” September 16, 2019.
Discussing “plastic shaming” and The Royal Society’s new plastics report on the BBC in the U.K., July 23, 2019:
Cooking the Books podcast (from NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB) with Frances Cook, December 26, 2018: “Why Do Sales Make Us Irrational?”
Quoted expert on RadioLiveDrive with Duncan Garner, Dec 3, 2015 on “I Love Ugly” sexist campaign:
Quoted expert on Checkpoint RNZ with John Campbell, March 23, 2018:
May 2, 2024, Consumer NZ, The highs and lows of ‘in-demand’ concert tickets.
April 26, 2024, Radio New Zealand, Loopholes will be exploited in new vape rules — experts
May 13, 2022, stoppress, “Crucial cultural and social shifts to be presented to leading kiwi marketers”
April 18, 2022, stuff.co.nz, “Can GM save the planet? Some farmers think it’s worth a go”
Nov 14, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “The irony of Countdown marketing ‘sustainable’ collections to kids”
Oct 29, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Vaccine 'apartheid' post could damage business reputation, expert says”
Aug 11, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “'Catching your eye in the wild': Why we keep falling for supermarket 'specials'“
July 31, 2021, Southland Times, “Time to rein in supermarket chains”
July 30, 2021, National Business Review, “Mixed reaction to ComCom’s supermarket review”
July 29, 2021, Radio New Zealand, “Consumer NZ backs Commerce Commission proposals for supermarkets”
July 29, 2021, Business Desk, “Supermarket split: Chains could be forced to sell stores”
July 29, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Government responds to damning supermarket report on high costs”
May 19, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Most women unaware period products contain plastic, study shows”
May 13, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Online shopping here to stay, forcing business to rethink their strategy”
May 7, 2021, Newshub, “Why more people are choosing diamonds grown in a lab”
March 28, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Social media big hitters: The secret lives of modern influencers”
March 22, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Busy shoppers buying back their time with subscriptions”
March 17, 2021, North & South magazine, “Lost in the Clouds: As a new generation gets hooked on nicotine, New Zealand’s approach to vaping has been bafflingly lax”
Feb 11, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “TradeMe reveals price of secondhand goods rising fast as shoppers embrace preloved”
Feb 11, 2021, stuff.co.nz, “Online shopping ballooned by $1.2 billion last year, most with domestic retailers”
Nov 23, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Ready steady shop: Black Friday 2020 could be bigger than ever”
Nov 12, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Hello Fresh food poisoning stigma could rub off on other meal kit services”
Nov 4, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “‘Preposterously busy’ bookshop gets benefits of local-focused shoppers”
Oct 19, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Kiwi dogs eat 70,000 possums in a year: Demand for pest pet food grows”
Oct 15, 2020, ABC News Australia, “Jacinda Ardern is on track for victory in New Zealand’s election. But she was almost at risk of being a one-term PM”
Sept 26, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Real estate: What star power brings to a house sale”
Aug 31, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Lewis Road to sell milk with added collagen, as demand for ‘functional food’ grows”
Aug 27, 2020, The Spinoff, “NZ influencers are spreading dangerous misinformation and there’s little we can do about it”
Aug 27, 2020, New Zealand Herald, “NZ influencers are spreading dangerous misinformation and there’s little we can do about it”
Aug 16, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Chinese influencers sell 70,000 cartons of Kiwi UHT milk in a minute”
Aug 9, 2020, Newshub, “Vaping laws too late for entire generation - expert”
Aug 8, 2020, 1News, “Vaping law came too late to stop youth uptake - researcher”
Aug 8, 2020, Radio New Zealand, “Vaping law a ‘tepid win’ in halting youth increase”
Aug 6, 2020, 1 News, “Is TikTok safe to use in NZ? Expert weighs in after MPs urged to delete app”
July 31, 2020, Business Desk, “Thanks for the memories — the power of nostalgia in a covid world”
July 30, 2020, Oddee, “Domino’s pulls New Zealand ‘Karen’ pizza promotion after online backlash”
July 29, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Domino’s Pizza ‘Karen’ promo criticised for being tone deaf”
July 7, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “‘Wild west’ of social media influencing is coming to an end”
May 28, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Allbirds partners with Adidas to tackle climate change”
April 15, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Allbirds to introduce a new number on their shoes: the environmental cost”
April 12, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Coronavirus - splashing out, then slowing down - what the post-lockdown retail climate will be like”
April 9, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Coronavirus - panic buying has given way to ‘eerie’ supermarkets - what’s next?”
March 30, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Coronavirus: Lockdown rubbish and food waste could be high”
March 11, 2020, The Spinoff, “The Bulletin: Lab testing workers strike critcised and defended”
March 10, 2020, Te Waha Nui, Vape companies target festival-goers
Feb 28, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Glassons introduces recycled plastic knitwear and sustainable denim”
Jan 21, 2020, stuff.co.nz, “Shopping with machines: Technology to overtake the human touch”
Dec 15, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Binge-shopping, tree emissions, plastic and food waste must change to save the climate”
Dec 5, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “The promise of a sale entices you to spend more”
Nov 17, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Hotel industry having a change of heart as businesses become more sustainable”
Nov 13, 2019, The Spinoff, “Mind over money: An extract from Tales from a Financial Hot Mess”
Oct 31, 2019, New Zealand Herald, “Are influencers a waste of money?”
Oct 27, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Discount shops: Knocked down but not out”
Oct 13, 2019, New Zealand Herald, “From financial mess to thrift queen: How one woman turned finances around”
Oct 10, 2019, newsroom, “Is vaping NZ’s last gasp for a smokefree 2025?”
Sept 23, 2019, Otago Daily Times, “#followingtherugby Playing in the social (media) grades”
Sept 9, 2019, 1 News, “Exclusive: 1 News investigation reveals how much Government is paying online influencers”
Sept 1, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Shopping mall owners are spending $1.5 billion on ‘lifestyle centres’”
Aug 20, 2019, sunlive.co.nz, “The moral disgust of being a plastic user”
Aug 13, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “The Warehouse wants TheMarket to become New Zealand’s Amazon”
Aug 10, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “A life without plastic, or less plastic, is a lifestyle worth the effort”
July 29, 2019, Otago Daily Times, “Our plastics addiction”
July 23, 2019, New Zealand Herald, “Could ‘plastic shaming’ help NZ’s waste woes?”
July 23, 2019, stuff.co.nz, Truckload of plastic waste dumped into oceans every 38 seconds: Report
July 23, 2019, NewsTalkZB, Could “plastic shaming” help NZ’s waste woes?”
June 16, 2019, New Zealand Herald, 'Hi Jan, it's Ardie Savea...' - Kiwi celebrities charge fans up to $150 for personalised video shoutouts on new Cameo website
June 9, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Online reviews may be fake but we still put our trust in digital word of mouth”
April 21, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Don’t roll up the tinfoil and other Easter wastage reduction hacks”
April 17, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Wonky Donky author says book’s success puts spotlight on golliwog, 11 years on”
March 29, 2019, scoop.co.nz, “Universities call for effective regulation of social media”
Feb 22, 2019, stuff.co.nz, “Facebook campaign ‘bargain advertising’ for Kiwibank”
Jan 27, 2019, New Zealand Herald, “Don’t be loan-ly this year”
Nov 22, 2018, Dominion Post and stuff.co.nz, “Black Friday: Boxing Day not yet eroded by Kiwi shoppers’ increasing love for pre-Christmas sale day”
Nov 20, 2018, Dominion Post and stuff.co.nz, “We’re worried about the environment, but don’t know how to take action”
Oct 29, 2018, stuff.co.nz, “Karen Walker sells out of Meghan Markle’s trench coat”
Oct 27, 2018, stuff.co.nz, “Is New Zealand’s supermarket duopoly ripping us off?”
Oct 9, 2018, stuff.co.nz, “‘Moral disgust’ is changing the way we think about plastic”
May 14, 2018, New Zealand Herald, "World saga: Why we're willing to pay more for designer labels"
April 11, 2018, New Zealand Herald, "Gender reveal party supplies a booming business, local retailers say"
April 1, 2018, stuff.co.nz, "Social media stars fall foul of new rules on sponsored posts"
Jan 31, 2018, New Zealand Herald, "Big read: How your social media followers can make you rich"
Jan 31, 2018, New Zealand Herald, "A look into the influencer marketing industry"
Dec 21, 2017, The Spinoff, "Green to be seen? How we self-justify our consumer hypocrisy"
Aug 12, 2017, New Zealand Herald, “Water crisis damages New Zealand’s clean green image”
Aug 9, 2017, stuff.co.nz, “Mexican food truck business creates DIY weekly meal kits"
July 31, 2017, The National Business Review, “Rich and poor in NZ: Which side are you on?”
July 24, 2017, stuff.co.nz, "Why the Rich List is 'unhealthy, disturbing'"
July 19, 2017, stuff.co.nz, “UberEats faces logistical challenges in Kiwi market"
June 9, 2017, stuff.co.nz, “Sugary drink makers move away from sugar"
March 1, 2017, Scoop Independent News, "Academic, design and business experts to share tricks"
Dec 16, 2016, New Zealand Herald, “What’s behind these Christmas traditions"
Nov 22, 2016, One News “Tips for Christmas shoppers: Retailers know our shopping habits"
May 9, 2016, RetailNZ, “What it's like being a member of the Lululemon tribe for the day"
Feb 26, 2016, Stop Press, “Sex sells. Or does it? Why retail brands are turning down the heat"
Feb 25, 2016, TheRegister, “Does sex still sell? Retail heavyweights’ advertising moves towards being less racy, and more inclusive"
Jan 22, 2016, stuff.co.nz, "Woolworth's Tasmania hat fail the latest of many advertising misfires"
Jan 21, 2016, RetailNZ, “Experiences over stuff: the new consumerism – and what retailers can do about it"
Dec 3, 2015, Daily Mail, “‘Disgusting and sexist': Fashion label slammed for using naked women's bodies as 'props' in new jewellery campaign - but its rings still sell out in less than a DAY”
Dec 3, 2015, stuff.co.nz, “Fashion label I Love Ugly’s ‘sexist’ ads won’t change men’s attitudes – expert"
Aug 21, 2015, Stop Press, “You're drinking what you're thinking: how marketers can embrace behavioural science"
June 6, 2015, Idealog, "Restaurant robotics"
Expert statements
The Conversation, research analyses with co-author Megan Phillips: “Dollars and scents: how the right smells can encourage shoppers to buy healthier foods,” June 25, 2024
Latest research release from SciMex: “Herbal smells tell shoppers it's thyme to eat their veg”, June 14, 2024
Statement with Science Media Centre: “Supermarket competition ‘not working well’ for Kiwis – Expert Reaction,” July 29, 2021
Phys.org, research analyses with co-author Sarah Mittal, “Deep discounts: the nemisis of bargain hunters,” July 14, 2021
The Conversation, research analyses with co-author Spencer M. Ross: “No spare change: How charities, buskers and beggars aren’t feeling so festive in our cashless society,” December 18, 2020
The Conversation, research analyses with co-authors Joya Kemper, Jessica Vredenburg & Amanda Spry: “Brand activism is moving up the supply chain — corporate accountability or commercial censorship?” December 11, 2020
Column in stuff.co.nz with co-author Patrick van Esch: “NZ Election 2020: Who’s spending and who’s winning on social media ahead of New Zealand’s election,” October 1, 2020
The Conversation, research analyses with co-author Patrick van Esch: “Click, like, share, vote: who’s spending and who’s winning on social media ahead of New Zealand’s election,” October 1, 2020
The Conversation, research analyses with co-authors Jessica Vredenburg, Amanda Spry & Joya Kemper: “Athlete activism or corporate woke washing? Getting it right in the age of Black Lives Matter is a tough game,” September 21, 2020
Column in Indian News Link, “Parasocial relationship endears Ardern to millions on social media,” Sept 5, 2020
Column in The New Zealand Herald, “The Facebook prime minister: How Ardern became NZ’s most successful influencer,” Sept 4, 2020
Column in stuff.co.nz, “The Facebook prime minister: How Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s most successful political influencer,” Sept 4, 2020
The Conversation, research analyses: “The Facebook prime minister: How Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand’s most successful political influencer,” Sept 4, 2020
Sciblog with co-author Patrick van Esch: “Marketing a vaping lifestyle to nonsmokers is working: Vaping is seen as trendy and viewed positively by consumers,” August 9, 2020
Statement with Science Media Centre: “Vaping bill passes - Expert reaction,” August 6, 2020
Statement with Science Media Centre: “Should we be worried about vaping? - Expert Q&A,” October 3, 2019
Oped with co-author Patrick Van Esch: “The promotion of vapes as a lifestyle choice is dangerous,” stuff.co.nz, Sept 12, 2019
Statement with Science Media Centre: “Report on dealing with plastics: Expert Reaction,” July 23, 2019
Statement with Universities New Zealand in the wake of livestreaming of Christchurch terror attacks: “Universities call for more effective regulation of social media platforms,” March 29, 2019
The Conversation, research analysis with co-authors Jessica Vredenburg, Amanda Spry, and Joya Kemper: “Post Gillette: Other brands are better at matching practice with talk, but don’t get the publicity,” February 1, 2019.
The Conversation, research analysis with co-authors Jessica Vredenburg, Amanda Spry, and Joya Kemper: “Woke-washing: What happens when marketing communications don’t match corporate practice,” December 5, 2018.
Invited talks
Talking about the power of influence at business think-tank Spark Lab in March 2017. (And yes, that is me VERY pregnant. My son was born 3 days after this talk was filmed!)