Bus stop bugs have yuck factor

By IRENE CHAPPLE

The infamous Toyota advertising campaign has finally been outbuggered.

Colenso BBDO has raised the advertising shock level with its use of live cockroaches in a new bus shelter campaign for Bug Clothing.

The unconventional idea is a New Zealand first, says Colenso BBDO account director Katy Davis.

Twelve hundred roaches are trapped within the transparent walls of a bus shelter on Auckland's Mayoral Drive.

Whatever commuters may think, the cockroaches appear happy in their new home, where they eat catfood and oatmeal and are busily breeding.

The bus stop was chosen for its lack of direct sunlight, and entomologist Brian Lawson was called in for advice on the bugs' habitat.

The cockroaches at present live at only one bus stop, but there are plans to expand the campaign once other bug-friendly spots are found.

The idea was to push Bug Clothing's sense of humour, and show it didn't take itself too seriously.

Ms Davis said while there were concerns about the public being "grossed out", no complaints had been received.

But there were few favourable comments around the bus stop yesterday.

Student Sophie Nicholas thought it was "gross", and AUT lecturer Jennie O'Connor said, "It's revolting, it's horrible, I don't like it!"