KFC is turning up the heat in New Zealand with the launch of “The Colonel’s Hacks”, its biggest-ever value campaign, promising unbeatable deals, bold creativity, and a cheeky dose of mischief.
Fronted by a mysterious figure known as the Colonel Hacker, the campaign reimagines the iconic Colonel Sanders as a digital rebel on a mission to “hack” the value game for KFC fans nationwide. Running from October 14 to December 1, the nationwide initiative offers customers a lineup of limited-time promotions, surprise drops, and exclusive deals across the country.
The campaign kicks off with a major debut: the Big Hack burger — KFC’s largest burger ever — featuring two stacked Zinger burgers for just $9.99, available only for two days, from October 14 to 15. The limited-time offer embodies the spirit of the campaign: double the zing, without the financial sting.
The campaign was conceived and executed by KFC’s agency village, comprising Special PR, Stanley Street, Special New Zealand, PHD, and Thompson Spencer. Together, they delivered a multi-channel takeover designed to make the Colonel Hacker impossible to ignore.
Special PR led creative ideation, brand experience, media relations, and earned advocacy, while Stanley St handled AV, out-of-home, and social media activations. PHD took charge of media planning and strategy, disrupting traditional advertising channels through surprise media “hacks” — including commandeering national broadcasts and online platforms with messages from the Colonel Hacker.
“This campaign is all about showing how far KFC will go to deliver great taste and value,” said Leanne Too, KFC’s marketing director. “From our biggest-ever burger, the Big Hack, to $2 Wicked Wing Wednesdays, we’ve created deals that we know Kiwis will love.”
Kelly Grindle, managing director of Special PR, called the concept “disruptive and distinctive,” noting that it allowed the creative idea to “stretch across every touchpoint.” Elle Lee, managing partner at Stanley St, added, “When the Colonel Hacker hits the streets, he does it big. Our goal was to ensure every detail — from his appearance to his message — worked seamlessly together.”
Philippa Allnutt, creative integration lead at PHD, described the media strategy as “controlled chaos — orchestrating strategic interruptions across TV, digital, and social to capture Kiwis’ attention in unexpected ways.”
With its playful tone, digital edge, and unapologetic ambition, the Colonel’s Hacks cements KFC’s reputation as a brand that knows how to blend humor, innovation, and irresistible value. One thing’s for sure: the Colonel Hacker has officially breached New Zealand’s appetite for deals — and he’s not logging off anytime soon.
