The 17th Battle of the Ad Bands (BOTAB), held on September 3 at Double Whammy in Tāmaki Makaurua, was reported to be a “boogie wonderland”.
The 70s theme meant there was plenty of denim flares and the crowd enjoyed an incredible night full of disco hits.
While seven incredible agency bands took to the stage, it was Merger on the Dancefloor from McCann who stole the show this year.
Their track list of Take Me Home, Country Roads and Wagon Wheel had the crowd line-dancing, securing them the title of BOTAB 2026 champions.
High calibre competition
The judging panel included Keyzie from Radio Hauraki, Genevieve Akers from Recycle Boutique and previous BOTAB winner James Blackwood from Crave Group. They praised the high calibre of performances across the night, but Merger on the Dancefloor ultimately came out on top, taking home:
- A $100 Sal’s Pizza voucher
- A production run of their own ice cream flavour thanks to Much Moore Ice Cream
- A $500 lunch at Prego
- A recorded studio session at Old North Studios with Boh Runga
- And, of course, the coveted BOTAB trophy
The awards didn’t stop there. Kyle Wetton from Colenso BBDO’s band Kill Enzo impressed the judges with standout guitar skills and 70s style, earning the Best Performer Award. Wetton took home a $200 voucher thanks to Karangahape Road restaurant Carmen Jones.
A theme this iconic also warranted a Best Dressed Prize. This one went to Deijah Perese for her incredible outfit and she received a $500 voucher courtesy of Recycle Boutique.
No shortage of entertainment
BOTAB has always been as much about the community as the competition. Thanks to the MC, Bec from Radio Hauraki, there was no shortage of entertainment, laughter or singalongs on the night. The event is put together by the Comms Council and Flying Fish. Both organisations extend a special thanks to the event’s sponsors: Apex Insurance, Much Moore, Recycle Boutique, Prego, Radio Hauraki, Sal’s Pizza and Carmen Jones.
A huge thank you to all the bands who hit the stage:
- Out of Scope (Together)
- No Refunds (Saatchi & Saatchi)
- Kill Enzo (Colenso BBDO)
- The Dents (Dentsu)
- The Poster Boys (oOh!Media and Shout Media)
- Auckland Fish Market (Flying Fish)
- Merger on the Dancefloor (McCann)
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