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Air New Zealand encourages Aussies to prepare to travel to the 8th Wonder of the World

Air New Zealand’s latest safety video calls on Aussies and other international travellers to start thinking about heading to New Zealand once international borders open, by showing off just how much New Zealand has to offer.

In a joint effort with Tourism New Zealand, the safety video doubles as a submission to have Aotearoa named the 8th Wonder of the World, but not before Kiwis from all around the country argue for their local landmarks to hold the title.

Air New Zealand has released its latest safety video

The campaign video shows a United Nations-style courtroom situation, with representatives from all around NZ including Tane Mahuta, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Stuart Island and more.

They argue over which landmark or place should be named the 8th Wonder, before settling on the whole of New Zealand or Aotearoa.

Air New Zealand, which earlier this year was named the most reputable brand in Australia and New Zealand, is also aiming to inspire New Zealanders to fly around their own country with the new campaign.

Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said the campaign is aimed at supporting New Zealand’s COVID-19 recovery.

“With borders closed as a result of COVID-19, we’ve seen a significant impact on the New Zealand tourism industry. Around 30 percent of people flying on our domestic network are usually visitors from overseas,” she said.

“In the absence of international visitors, the safety video is a unique way to stimulate further local demand, benefiting local tourism operators, the New Zealand economy and Air New Zealand employees.

“The video also assists in supporting the recovery of international tourism once borders reopen. We know the decision-making process for visitors to come to New Zealand will be different into the future – so we need to be building the appeal and desire now in international markets in anticipation of borders reopening.

“It’s important to keep New Zealand as a visitor destination top of mind.”

The campaign was created in New Zealand during stage one restrictions by creative agency Pitchblack, with Air New Zealand revealing the safety video was made with less budget than in previous years.

Tourism New Zealand director commercial René de Monchy said a strong tourism industry is important to recovery following the worst of the pandemic.

“Tourism is vital to New Zealand’s recovery and the safety video is another way we are encouraging Kiwis to do something new, by showcasing the amazing range of experiences on offer in Aotearoa,” she said.

“The video also supports our activity offshore to keep New Zealand alive in the hearts and minds of international visitors for when they are able to return.”

Pitchblack Partners creative partner Liz Richards said it was great to let New Zealand be the star of the ad.

“Aotearoa always provides a wonderful backdrop for so many stories, it was nice to let the country be the star of the show this time.

“Air New Zealand and Tourism NZ are the experts when it comes to championing NZ, and were great to go on this journey with.”

Credits:

Creative Agency: Pitchblack Partners
Production: Jetblack Productions
Director: Josh Frizzell
Sound: Liquid Studios
Editor: Tim Mauger
Post production: Toybox

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