Northland shines in Air NZ safety video

Rachel Hunter has a cameo in the new Air New Zealand safety video that also showcases Northland.

The Northern Advocate got a sneak preview of Air New Zealand's new safety video last month when we were invited on to a film set at Kerikeri.

After being told it would be well worth our while going, the absence of big name stars and general razzle dazzle was slightly underwhelming.

An ensuing press release mentioned big name stars but didn't name names.
We asked who the stars were and were told that was confidential.

National super-icon Rachel Hunter turned up in Waitangi about the same time.
We asked if she was in the Air NZ video.
Can't confirm or deny, we were told.

It seems Air NZ takes not only onboard safety videos seriously, but filming them is a matter of national security as well.

But all was forgiven when we saw the completed video product that showcases Northland to the world.

Air NZ's safety videos aren't just seen by travellers, the previous 12 have amassed more than 100 million views online.

They are a clever marketing tool for Air NZ.

And the Bay of Islands Marketing Group - a sort of breakaway "bugger it, we're doing it our way" outfit were smart enough to see the massive exposure opportunity, for what is primarily the BOI, with some Tane Mahuta snuck in there for good measure.

Watch it, and see if you can spot the "nocturnal" kiwi, and in jokes re Hunter and icecreams (Tip Top might have missed a marketing opportunity there) and Aucklanders (one in particular) stuck in traffic.

The Far North District Council put money into the video too, and the BOI Marketing Group won't say what it cost them, but it's "significant".

Hopefully it's worth every cent and they get increased tourist spend back in return for their investment.

And good on Air NZ for sharing its potential audience power when it comes to tourists - Queenstown is lovely in winter, by the way.