When most of the world pressed pause in 2020, Destro pressed play.
Launching an experiential marketing agency in the middle of a global lockdown might have seemed impossible, but for founder Portia Brodie, it was the only way forward.
“Events were cancelled, cities were closed, and the industry was standing still,” recalled Brodie.
“But to me, that was the challenge. If we could make it work, then we could make it work always.”
Five years on, that bold bet has paid off. What began as a remote start-up with a handful of opportunities has grown into a nationwide network of activations spanning Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and beyond. Creating thousands of paid roles for students, parents, working holiday makers, and local talent along the way.
At the heart of Destro is a simple belief: people make brands memorable. It’s why the agency hires for authenticity and personality above all. That focus has shaped campaigns for some of New Zealand’s most recognisable names, while also building a loyal community of talent proud to wear the Destro badge.
To mark its fifth birthday earlier this year, the Destro team celebrated in true Destro fashion by facing their fears and leaping from the Sky Tower. The symbolic act was more than just adrenaline: it was a reminder that the sky really is the limit when it comes to what they can achieve.
And the next leap is already in sight. With an eye on the future, Destro is expanding beyond staffing into event ideation and activation creation, designing experiences that don’t just showcase brands but build communities around them.
Five years down, countless memories made, and a future brimming with possibility. From a pandemic-born experiment to a creative force shaping New Zealand’s event landscape, Destro’s story proves that the ‘wrong time’ can be the right time if you have the courage to do it anyway.
Read more in the latest issue here
