Taika Waititi lends star power to Tourism NZ campaign, sort of
Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi has picked up a side gig while filming a new show in his homeland New Zealand, lending his star power to promote the country’s tourism. Well, kind of.
The national destination marketing body, Tourism New Zealand, has released a new campaign with its agency Augusto.
In a three-minute comedy feature film, Waititi sent his stunt double to make an appearance on his behalf and star in the country’s latest tourism ad.
Directed by Jackie van Beek, ‘No Place Like It On Earth’ also showcases a range of sights and experiences including whitewater rafting in Rotorua, a scenic flight over Mount Tarawera, dolphin watching in Kaikōura and wine tasting in Auckland.
The show Waititi directed was HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death Season 2, and the feature film will be used across Tourism New Zealand and HBO Max channels.
“Tourism is an important contributor to New Zealand, it’s one of our top export earners and is supporting sector and country recovery. Competition for visitors is fierce and New Zealand needs to work hard to encourage visitation and stand out,” said Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy.
Waititi said: “I always tell people you can go surfing in the morning and then drive a couple of hours and be skiing in the evening [in New Zealand]. I don’t think there’s anywhere else on earth where you can do that. It has everything.”
Credits
Client – Tourism New Zealand Agency – Augusto Writer and Director – Jackie van Beek Stills – Graeme Murray Post Production – Augusto Sound – Bespoke Post
Got a tip?
Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
Linkedin
As an expat Kiwi this makes me sad. So many better ways to communicate our great country,
User ID not verified.
Have your say