First Five Rungs - banner
Awards

First Five Rungs Shadow Judging

Observe live judging panels across all four Comms Council award shows.

About the programme

The First Five Rungs Shadow Judging programme gives early-career practitioners a seat at the table during live judging across AXIS, Beacon, Effie and Pressie. Participants score entries using the same criteria as the panel — without casting a final vote.

 

Open to practitioners in advertising, media or communications in Aotearoa who haven’t judged a Comms Council show before. Most participants are three to seven years into their careers.

Apply to be a shadow judge

What to expect

As a shadow judge, you’ll be right there in the action, observing live judging panels and scoring entries yourself. While your scores won’t decide the winners, your perspective matters, and you’ll get to share your thoughts in group discussions.


Here’s how it rolls:
  • Meet the other Shadow Judges in a Welcome Session and learn about judging.
  • Score entries using an easy online platform.
  • Watch and be part of real judging panels in action.
  • Join post-panel debriefs to chat about your experience and learn from others.

The programmes

Learn about the awards that offer Shadow Judging and let us know which one you're interested in joining.

AXIS Awards V1
AXIS Awards

AXIS highlights achievements across a wide range of disciplines, from strategic thinking to production craft, honouring the ideas and execution that bring campaigns to life.

 

Judging runs late February through early March.

Learn more about AXIS
beacon awards V1
Beacon Awards

From precise planning to breakthrough technologies, these awards honour the best in media thinking and execution.

 

Judging runs May through early June.

Learn more about Beacons
Effie Aotearoa V1
Effie Awards Aotearoa

To recognise the year’s most effective advertising and marketing communications campaigns – campaigns that have delivered superior results in meeting the objectives they were designed to achieve.

 

Judging runs August through September.

Learn more about Effie
Pressie Awards V1
Pressie Awards

Designed to recognise outstanding work from agencies, brands, and practitioners, the awards honour campaigns that influence change, spark conversation, and deliver measurable impact.

 

Judging runs September through early October.

Learn more about Pressies

Tips and tricks

Want to crush it as a shadow judge? Here are a few pro hacks to help you get the most out of it.

Know the criteria

Not every category is judged against the same criteria. Make sure you’re scoring based on what the entry has been asked to achieve.

Manage your time wisely

You’ll be reviewing multiple entries, so pace yourself. Don’t rush, but don’t overthink every detail either - find a good balance to ensure you can give each entry the attention it deserves.

Jot down notes

It’s easier to explain your score when you’ve got some quick notes to back it up.

Stay open-minded

Great work can come in many forms. Be ready to spot fresh approaches or unexpected creative solutions, even if they’re different from what you’re used to.

Stay neutral

Focus on the work itself - don’t let any preconceptions sway you.

Be curious

Ask questions, learn from others, and have fun!